Life Changing Prayers

“I do believe; help my unbelief!”   —Mark 9:24 

This past week, I was privileged to interview Tim Rigby, a sports reporter for 30 years with WJAC. Tim shared his faith story of God’s direction in his life and triumph amid health challenges. While sitting against the bleachers after playing basketball with friends exactly one year to the day after suffering a seizure caused by stage four lymphoma, Tim thought, “What a difference a year makes.” The next moment he marveled, “What a difference a prayer makes.” He attributes his healing to faith in the Lord, a positive mental attitude, and the prayers of God’s people.

The old quote, “Prayer changes things,” is so true. The lives of God’s people, the circumstances of believers today, and my own life have been dramatically changed as a result of prayer. One of the most life-changing prayers I ever prayed was when I called upon Jesus Christ to become the Lord and Savior of my life. In a dorm room at Penn State University, after returning from Thanksgiving break 1973, I knelt at my bed and prayed, “Lord, I’m done running.” Although not nearly as spiritual and poetic as many prayers, the Lord heard my heart’s cry and transformed my life.  I have followed the Lord from that day until now. What a difference a prayer made in my life!

The Bible is full of life-changing prayers. The father of the boy with an evil spirit cried out to Jesus, “I do believe, help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24).  In response, Jesus healed the son. After the Israelite spies returned from scouting out the Promised Land and the Israelites rebelled wanting to return to Egypt, God threatened to destroy them and start a new nation from Moses. Moses prayed for the people, and God forgave them. (Numbers 14)

It would take months to consider all the life changing prayers found in the scriptures. Thomas exclaimed at seeing the risen Christ, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28) Saul, on the road to Damascus cried out, “Who are you, Lord?” (Acts 9:5) Jesus blessed the five loaves and two fish and a miraculous feeding of 5,000 men resulted with twelve baskets full left over. Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane, “Not my will but Thy will be done,” led to His death, burial, and resurrection redeeming countless human beings from sin and death.

What life changing prayer is God calling you to pray today? As you begin 2012, many have made New Year’s resolutions, but I am more excited about the possibilities in the life changing prayers being prayed. The Lord promises, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). James 5 continues, “The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven” (vs. 15).

God will hear you even if you are praying to Him for the first time. Paul and Silas told the jailer at Philippi, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household” (Acts 16:31). Jesus spoke of a notorious sinner who came to the temple to pray. He “stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’” (Luke 18:13). Jesus assures us that this man went home justified before God.

What a difference a prayer can make. It’s never too late to call out to God. Today, at the start of this New Year, is a great time to call upon the name of the Lord. He will hear and answer your prayer. God will change your life. Call upon Him today.