I’m sorely tempted each time I pray to wonder where it went. As the day passes, I recall my pleadings to the Lord and say, “Remember this morning Father?”
The past few days my devotionals from Elisabeth Elliot have been direct answers to my daily questions. This morning I was reminded that prayer sets forth motion. My encouragement for you today is to pray! Pray about that person, the circumstance, the schedule, the bills, whatever is on your mind, pray. There are many verses that the Lord hears but another verse came to mind also, a favorite, “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9
It is comforting to know that my sincere prayers are delivered right to our heavenly Father, and swifter than we think.
Speaking about Daniel who “turned to God in earnest prayer and supplication with fasting and sackcloth and ashes,” confessing Israel’s sins and beseeching God for forgiveness and restoration. The angel Gabriel came close to him in the hour of the evening sacrifice, “flying swiftly.” This is an excerpt from A Lamp For My Feet by Elisabeth Elliot:
As Soon As You Begin to Pray
Prayer sets spiritual forces in motion, although the effect is often invisible, perhaps for a long time. “As you were beginning your supplications a word went forth” (Dn 9:23 NEB), he said. The answer was already beginning to be processed when the prayer was offered. It took a very long time. Periods of weeks and years for the nation, and times of mourning, solitude, weakness, and fear on Daniel’s part were required before the answer could come to pass.
We should take heart from Gabriel’s message. Though our prayers seem feeble and sometimes appear to have gone unheard, a word has gone forth. Spiritual agents from the throne room of the King of kings are mobilized against spiritual forces from the headquarters of evil, and there will be the ultimate victory.
“Tremendous power is made available through a good man’s earnest prayer” (Jas 5:16 JBP).
Glory to God, Theresa