Slideshow image

Prayer is often the reason that a new and better story unfolds for our life. - Nathan LaShoto

 Did you know that Jesus comes from a big family? One of Jesus’ brothers, James, wrote a letter that has made its way into our Bible. James writes a passionate letter, with his sage wisdom for living a Christian life. Unlike some books in our Bible, the book of James is punchy, direct. He does not get bogged down in theological technicalities, rather the pages are filled with an image and a challenge of genuine faith in real life circumstances.
   I’m sure you’ve heard that prayer changes things, and Jesus’ younger brother James continues that message. With his sage wisdom, James lays out a pretty basic formula - prayer is always the answer. I must believe James’ older brother, Jesus, taught him this. In the book, James describes a range of circumstances that a person might find themselves in - “in trouble… happy… ill.”  Your life will be dynamic, with ups and downs. No matter the circumstance, James states that our Christian response is to pray. In other words, there is no situation where prayer is not relevant, powerful, and necessary.

   Prayer is powerful and effective, especially when prayed in line with God’s purpose and promises. In the book of Exodus, the superpower of the day – Egypt - forced the ever-increasing number of Israelites into slavery. They worked each day without a break, under harsh and hopeless conditions. It seemed as if this was their unchanging reality, and nothing could ever reverse it. And then in Exodus 3:7, the Lord says He has seen and heard the crying out of his people. More than that, it says that God is concerned about their suffering and has come to rescue them! In the Old Testament “crying out” is often another way of stating that the people are praying. And when people cry out to God, things change.       

   When we cry-out to God with our suffering and our condition, the Scriptures say that God immediately takes notice. God always hears the cries of the oppressed through prayer. Prayer kicks things into gear and gets them moving. It is as if God is waiting for an invitation to get involved in our problems. Prayer is often the reason that a new and better story unfolds for our life. The Bible attests that God doesn't just hear the cries of His people, but he actually does something about them. He rescues, moves, breaks, rebuilds, reorients, heals, redeems and saves - all because a person had the audacity to pray.

   Our prayers change things. Through prayer we have the opportunity to make a huge difference in our own lives and the lives of others. So, take a moment to reflect on your own life and bring it to Jesus in prayer. And because you prayed, may you be excited and enabled to live out your faith with confidence and peace.