I've known this for quite some time but like always, reminders are needed. This past week I have had the honor and privilege of being a part of a constant stream of prayers going up to the Father on behalf of a family here in Prague. I work with this family in my volunteering with Young Life. A member of the family has been diagnosed with leukemia. He has a good prognosis but a long 6 weeks of chemotherapy ahead of him. I've seen the body of Christ actively engaging to support, encourage, and intercede on behalf of this family. It's been powerful to witness. As I visit with the family and talk to others connected with them I'm moved to tears at how God is using this valley to change all of us. He's moving and stirring a deeper passion and love for Him and others in this community of faith.
The leader of our Young Life team told us in our meeting earlier this week that, "we pray until the angel comes to tell us that we can stop". Let that sink in...
A few days prior to this news, I read James 5. I'll close this blog with a few verses that struck me on the subject of the prayer of faith:
Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray.
Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.
Is anyone of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.
And 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.
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
Elijah was a man just like us.
He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain in the land for three and a half years.
Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
