Luck Versus Prayer - PART 2

You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many. 2 Corinthians 1:11 (ESV)

In recent months, the idea of offering “thoughts and prayers” has been ridiculed on social media. After some tragedy garners national attention, many quickly offer their thoughts and prayers to those affected. It is a way of expressing sympathy and showing solidarity with those who are suffering. Unfortunately, thinking about people as they suffer appears to do little to alleviate their pain or loss. And praying for them in a culture that has moved away from belief in supernatural intervention is similar to wishing them good luck.

People want quick action in their times of suffering – not mental recollections and verbal sentiments. They want immediate and tangible assistance that gives them relief or assures them their suffering will not be in vain. This expectation is especially true when the victims know resources were available that could have prevented their suffering. In such cases, our thoughts and prayers appear insensitive. However, for those who understand prayer’s power and purposes, our thoughts and prayers can often be relevant and potent courses of action. They are two of the best resources Christians have to address much of the suffering we see in the world.

Thinking about people connects us emotionally, and that emotion empowers our commitment to their well-being. This was Paul’s attitude towards the saints at Ephesus: “I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers (Eph. 1:16 NIV).” Thinking about the Ephesians’ generosity motivated Paul to pray for them. But Paul was also on the receiving end of having others pray for him. It was the prayers of the Corinthians believers that made possible his deliverance from death in Asia (2 Corinthians 1:11). The Scriptures are replete with examples of the power of intercessory prayers (Jer. 29:7; Acts 12:5; Eph. 6:18; Phil. 1:19; 1 Tim. 2:1; James 5:14). Asking God to intervene in the difficult situations others face – situations we have no control over or power to change – is a privilege and opportunity for Christian ministry and witness. It harnesses the power of God to release His grace and mercy in a world that is desperate for meaning and hope.

When I heard about my friend’s situation, I felt terrible that she had to go through such a difficult time. I thought about her struggle constantly and prayed that God would intervene and help her through it. Two weeks later, those prayers were answered, and her situation was resolved. There is no need for good luck when we can pray to a Good God!

CONCLUSION