Prayer is active - or it should be.

“I’ll pray for you.”

“Pray for Ukraine.”

“Praying!”

I get it. Prayer can look and feel like an excuse to appear concerned without actually having to do anything. I get it. To someone who doesn’t believe in the power of prayer, prayer looks like throwing a wet blanket in the corner of a house fire. It feels detached. It feels weak. It feels empty.

Let me ask you a question. If I truly BELIEVE that when people pray, the God of the Universe responds – does that change your opinion? If I believe with all of my being that when a group of people pray, the course of events could change – does it seem weak? If I believe the power of prayer is real, and an absolute fact that I have experienced, then not engaging would be cruel. To not engage in prayer when innocent people are dying would be cold hearted if I had belief that it could change the actual occurrence of events or protect those I loved.

Yes, horrible things happen. Correct, I don’t have answers. Choosing God requires faith. If you don’t have faith - I will have it for you.

Let’s make a deal. If you become incredibly sick. If your marriage falls apart. If your country goes to war. If you fall into depression. If your child is ill. If life falls apart. You don't have to pray. I will pray on your behalf. If you tell me you need prayer, I will pray. It is not cop out. I will write your name in my prayer notes. I will get on my knees in the early morning hours and I will pray your name out loud, begging God to have mercy on you, pleading that God will show you how much He loves you. I will do it over and over again because I believe in the power of prayer. I believe the God of the Universe wants to act on your behalf.

Yes, there are people who throw around “I’ll pray for you” as easily as they throw around “See ya soon.” Yes, there are people who say “I’m praying” and forget the prayer request before they get to their car. But there are people who want to storm the gates of Heaven on your behalf to ACTUALLY plead with God to intervene in your situation.

Here is what I know to be true about prayer based on Scripture:

- God hears us. 1 John 5:14

- He not only hears, but also heals and forgives. Ephesians 1:18

- Not only does he hear, but He listens. Jeremiah 29:12

- Not only does he listen, but promises to respond. Psalm 102:17

- He will give relief from distress Psalm 4:1

So next time someone says they are praying. Ask them – are they serious?

Next time you tell someone you are praying for them – do it.