James 5:16 “…The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
“I grew up in a home where my parents would typically brush us children aside when they were involved in an activity.” This is how my friend began her story. She said her father almost never allowed them to participate in his projects. Then, one day he asked them to help him on a particular job. His approval of their contribution overwhelmed her with a sense of satisfaction and affirmation. She experienced the joy of participation.
Fast forward to the present.
A woman in my friend’s neighborhood had been suffering from a serious disease. She would need an operation, but the doctors reported only a 20 percent to 30 percent chance of survival. My friend and the ladies in her small Bible study began to pray. Fervently, faithfully, they prayed. Turns out, the woman not only survived surgery, the cancer they feared was nowhere to be found and the surgeon was able to correct all the issues causing her pain. My friend was thrilled with the outcome.
Her Heavenly Father had asked her and the small band of ladies in her Bible study to participate with him in touching and restoring her neighbor. My friend had no illusion as to the source of the woman’s healing. She knew God had orchestrated the healing, but in his divine wisdom, he gave them the privilege of joining him in the work. Just as it was years ago with her dad, she experienced the joy of participation.
Have you experienced that joy of participation? The book of James assures us our prayers make a difference. It doesn’t matter who we are, where we are, or how limited we might feel. Doesn’t matter if we possess a lot of spiritual gifts or a few, whether we’re a priest or poet. The God of the universe invites all who are righteous by his blood to present our requests to him. He designed it this way. So he listens. And he responds. I believe it makes him happy to see our faith.
Imagine the great privilege we have as God’s children! If we want to make a difference in the world, even in our tiny spheres, it all begins with prayer. Friend, how I pray you experience the joy of the greatest participation ever.