Monday, June 22: 2Corinthians 1- Prayer makes a difference.

We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many (8-11).

Paul and friends suffered under great pressure and even despaired of life… those are words of tremendous anguish. I like to muse on Paul, the great missionary, evangelist, apostle… miracles, many being saved, traveling the world. And although this was certainly part of the story it was not the entire story, not by a long shot. Paul also endured great suffering for the sake of his calling as an apostle.

But what struck me and led me toward God’s heart this morning were the 2 phrases I bolded in the reading.

as you help us by your prayers…

in answer to the prayers of many…

The prayers of the saints for Paul made a difference. Paul was convinced of this. The Holy Spirit wanted us to know this, inspiring Paul to put these words in Holy Writ.

Prayer makes a difference. Prayer matters.

We have long established tradition at my church to pray for anyone heading out on a short or long term mission or ministry trip. Sometimes I wonder just how important that is. Paul reminds me that those moments are VERY important.

We have another long established tradition of prayer teams available to pray with and for anyone at worship for any need. This, too, I am reminded is HIGHLY important.

I have a friend who has begun praying with some teachers and staff at the local school after school weekly. I don’t know what a godly affect this will have but it will affect the school. It really will.

Prayer matters… it really does.

As we pray for others, God does things in the heavens.  Our prayers affect those people, movements, and advances of the kingdom.

Prayer matters… it really does.

Lord, teach me to pray with greater passion, regularity and faith for the sake of saints around the world and for the sake of Your kingdom’s advance to the ends of the earth. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.