Prayer keeps us close

Today I received a message from one of our hosts in the Philippines telling us about something tragic that happened this morning in one of the communities we ministered to while in Cebu.

 

Throughout the day I’ve been constantly in prayer for this family. But I will admit, I have been close to tears numerous times due to my frustration. What are we supposed to do on those days it feels like prayer just can’t possibly be enough? When we feel like we are so far away and can do nothing to help? On days like today, when I would give anything to be on a plane to Cebu and all my family I left behind there…

 

And then I remembered something.

 

I have a friend who went on a mission trip to Puerto Rico a year ago and even then I remember being blown away by this sentence he used in his support letter, “No matter how far away, prayer keeps us closer than we can imagine, and God uses it powerfully to affect our lives.” Something told me to hold onto that letter, and remember that sentence, when I read it. And today I was incredibly grateful I had.

 

This is exactly what I’m taking comfort in. It doesn’t matter how far away geographically I am from my filipino family, when I pray for them it’s as if I am right next to them laying my hands on them and asking God to pour His strength into them. And that’s enough. God’s using our prayers to powerfully affect lives. Our prayers make a difference. They don’t go unheard.

 

God has given us the gift of prayer for just this reason. To stay connected. To always be close to Him, as well as our brothers and sisters in Christ here on earth.

 

Let’s not let the distance keep us from praying powerful prayers. Because they are heard by a God who draws near to us all. There are a lot of broken hearts to be repaired, broken families to be restored, and tears to be wiped away through the power of prayer.

 

So what can we do? And is prayer really enough? We’ve been called to pray…and yes! Right now, it is enough. Today, God’s using our prayers. Don’t let Satan feed you lies about prayer, don’t let him attack your communication line with God.

 

Satan wants us to feel disconnected from one another. He wants us to feel helpless and lonely. Because connected we are strong and powerful. When we are linked in prayer there is nothing here on earth that can get in the way of the Kingdom of God.

 

So Pray. Pray. Pray.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:16 “Be joyful always; pray continually'; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”