The Power of Prayer

Joshua 10:14 “And there has been no day like that, before it or after it, that the LORD heeded the voice of a man; for the LORD fought for Israel.”

Joshua had received instruction and assurance by God as to his mission and its outcome, yet one major hurdle still seemed about to disrupt the outcome of the mission. Joshua could have doubted, even despaired. Instead, he prayed boldly for something no one had ever requested before. His request might seem brash, even impossible to some, but God’s instruction and promises rang clear in his heart. He prayed that the sun would stand still so he could accomplish the mission God gave him. And God listened and answered Joshua’s prayer, God fought for His people.

God still gives clear counsel and promises to His children, and He still enjoys listening to them. He still enjoys doing for us what we might call “the impossible”. Sometimes it seems that Satan has stacked so many hurdles against us that it would be impossible to accomplish what God has asked us to do – love God (John 14:15), His servants, and one another, and be holy witnesses of His gospel. These things go against the very nature of the fallen human heart, but Jesus said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” Luke 18:27.

The ABC’s of prayer haven’t changed: Ask (John 15:16), Believe (Mark 11:24-26), and Claim (2 Peter 1:2-4). Perhaps our prayer lives need a change. Do we pray 3 three times a day? Do we pray without ceasing? Do we joyfully gather together each week at prayer meeting to talk with our God? Right now, even as you read this article, might be a good time to begin. To pray as you have never prayed before for our church family, our church leaders, our church mission, for any changes your own heart needs.

“Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence?” STC 94.2

I would like to invite you to join me, from your own prayer closet, in a special prayer each morning at 8:30 during the week of October 2-6. If this time is not possible for you, I would simply ask you to find a special time that is convenient to lift our praises and needs to our Father in heaven who hears and answers according to His good pleasure. Why this particular week? Each week as the Michigan Conference office family meets for morning worship they remember a specific church district and pastoral team, including teachers. During the week of October 2-6 they will be remembering the Edenville, Estey and Gladwin churches, our school and teacher Steven Champion and his family, and Pastor Wise and my family. I plan to adjust my schedule so I can add my prayers to theirs at approximately the same time during this week. Think of “the impossible” things God is planning to do for us!

2 Chronicles 7:14 “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

A friend and servant in Jesus Christ,
Pastor Michael Wise