Just Pray?

As a pastor, I relate to many hurting people. Life can be so hard at times.  During this Coronavirus season, I see people hurting everywhere. Some have lost their jobs and lost their hope. Families are struggling with too much together time. Singles and the elderly are lonely. I hurt when people hurt. Frequently, I have told different people that I would pray for them.  And I do diligently pray for a number of people every single day.  But as my heart genuinely hurts for people, sometimes I wish that I could do more for them, more than just pray.  I want to ease their burdens.  But I “resort” to prayer because I can’t think of anything else to do. 

But God has recently exposed to me that my thinking here is wrong.  Instead of viewing prayer as a this-is-all-I-can-do item, I need to view prayer as something enormously powerful and significant.  In fact, it’s the very best thing I can do for people. Prayer moves mountains.  Prayer changes things.  Prayer petitions the Almighty God to act on someone’s behalf.  I can’t change someone’s circumstances, but God can.  I can’t look into the future and know what is best for someone, but God can.  Don’t let the enemy convince you that prayer is a waste of time.  As a believer in Jesus, prayer is the most powerful weapon you have.  Pray often.  Pray fervently.  Just pray!