“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayers.”
1 Peter 3:12
My sisters and I all received the same urgent call: our mother had had a massive stroke and was in the local hospital. Each of us headed home immediately and went straight to the hospital. The evidence of the stroke was obvious, but she could still communicate. Though it was only October, she wanted to talk about Christmas. This clarity of thought was encouraging, and we wondered if recovery might yet be possible. However, her condition rapidly declined; soon she was in a coma.
We sisters stepped out of the hospital room to talk. Mama had always been a woman of prayer and intercession. We counted upon her prayers. Then an older sister spoke up and said, “Well, her mantle is being passed to us.” So we prayed together, telling our heavenly Father that we would accept His calling to the ministry of prayer.
In that defining moment, each of us realized how thankful we are that we can talk to our heavenly Father, that “in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,” (Philippians 4:6) we can go to Him. What a privilege it is to go to Jesus in prayer.
We sisters stepped out of the hospital room to talk. Mama had always been a woman of prayer and intercession. We counted upon her prayers. Then an older sister spoke up and said, “Well, her mantle is being passed to us.” So we prayed together, telling our heavenly Father that we would accept His calling to the ministry of prayer.
In that defining moment, each of us realized how thankful we are that we can talk to our heavenly Father, that “in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,” (Philippians 4:6) we can go to Him. What a privilege it is to go to Jesus in prayer.
Scripture Focus
1 Peter 3:8-12
Insight
“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." (James 5:16)
Bible In A Year
- Jeremiah 31-32
- Psalm 119:1-64
- 1 Corinthians 11