Don’t You Just Love Prayer

The older I get the more I’ve come to really appreciate the avenue of prayer. I cannot fathom a life that exists without praying. Life is so trying and troubling at times. Being able to talk to our God-Our Father in Heaven-the Creator of this universe is a privilege beyond descript. Even with all the support of our families, friends and brethren, I find my only real security is when I enter into my quiet place get down on my knees and enter into his presence.

And is it not true-we do not know how we ought to pray. I am thankful for the Lord’s Prayer example of how you should pray (Matt.6:9-13). And, oh what a blessing that Christ intercedes to the Father on our behalf (Rom.8:34). The veil has truly been torn from top to bottom (Mk.15:38; Matt.27:51).

As one of your elders it is an honor to meet each week with the other elders and pray for you. We need your prayers as well. I suggest you deliberately find and visit your closet or quiet place often… and enter into his divine presence with true thanksgiving. Prayer is powerful. Prayer is hope-filled. It works.

I had a surreal prayer experience just last Saturday. While laying stone with Colleen, my phone goes off and there is a young man sobbing greatly on the line. He is sobbing about the pending death of his favorite young female cousin. He called because he wanted me to pray for her—and for him. His name is Dakota—a 300 pound nose guard on Grant’s football team. I proceeded to pray with him for a few minutes over the phone. By the time I had finished so had the tears-and hope became their replacement. Isn’t that prayer in a “nutshell”—instant hope? I got a text from him on Tuesday and her condition seems now to be on the mend.

Thank you God…Thank you Father...
Pray without ceasing (1 Th.5:17)
Pray One for Another (James 5:16)
—Gary Rivers