Karilee Hayden •

Prayer changes things… especially our hearts!

  • A teen is caught in the web of drugs, alcohol, or rampant sexual activity
  • An adult son continues to live on the streets in rejection of Jesus Christ
  • A daughter lives-in with an unsaved man twice her age
  • A prodigal husband chooses to leave wife and children as he runs from God
  • A son, stage-four alcoholic, spirals downward; he will not turn to Christ
  • A youth is entangled in the gay lifestyle

Prayer-changes-thingsHow long, O Lord… how long?

At a recent Wild Child Ministries board meeting, the importance of praying for our prodigals was discussed at length. How can we most effectively pray for them? How can we encourage one another? What is the best way to implement effectual and earnest prayer for these loved ones? On our Prayer page, we explain a process we’ve begun to implement to pray for and encourage one another. The Apostle Paul says, “. . . You also joining in helping us through your prayers, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed upon us through the prayers of many” (2 Corinthians 1:11 NAS). The prayers of the saints definitely “helped” Paul.

WHY PRAY? The Bible states that the fervent prayer of a righteous person avails MUCH (James 5:16). We also know that we, as Christians, are told to pray – moment by moment and without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17). Scripture is replete with examples, exhortations, and admonishments to pray.

Though we don’t understand exactly how it works or just why God has chosen to utilize the prayers of puny humans, over and over we see God using the prayers of His saints to accomplish His purposes. Additionally, through prayer, each child of God is drawn into a deeper relationship with Christ. And, to top it off, He promises to answer in a way that brings glory to Himself and thanksgiving and praise to the hearts of those who pray (see above verse – 2 Cor. 1:11).

Psalm 27

(We encourage you to read this Psalm of fearless trust in God)

Do you lack wisdom? ASK! (James 1:5) Anxious? PRAY (Phil. 4:6-7)!
Angry? CONFESS! (1 John 1:9)
Have you lost hope? SEEK the God of hope (Rom. 15:13)
Need comfort? TALK to the God of Comfort! (2 Cor. 1:3-4)
Discouraged, weary and heavy-laden? Come to Christ in PRAYER! (Matt. 11:28-30)

PEACE will surround the soul of each person who releases their burdens to the God of all hope . . . and power . . . and wisdom. Roll your burden onto His shoulders . . . lean hard into His love . . . and wait, no matter how long it takes.