Faces on Faith: Constant prayer makes a difference
On April 24, 2022, some who attended the Captiva Chapel by the Sea accepted the challenge to pray for five people for 50 days. Since that time I have heard from a number of participants how rewarding this journey has been. I must admit that over the years I have run hot and cold when it comes to prayer. I can remember taking a 10-year hiatus from actively engaging in meaningful prayer. Then one day when my father was struggling on the operating table I went to the chapel to pray.
I am sure many of us have turned to prayer when there seems to be no other course to take. When I served as a student chaplain at a children’s hospital in Columbus, Ohio, I would make daily visits to children who had cancer or some other grave disease. At the end of my visit I always offered to pray. No one ever turned me down. Certainly we need to pray when our lives are turned upside down, but let us not forget the value of constant prayer.
I recently had a conversation with someone who asked if there were Scriptures that witnessed to the power of constant prayer. Three different texts came to mind. In 1 Thessalonians chapter 5, the Apostle Paul writes, “Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances.” The Gospel writer James invites the whole church to pray for those in need and concludes by saying that the prayers of the faithful are both powerful and effective. Finally, from Paul’s letter to the Christians at Philippi we have this word, “have no anxiety about anything but in everything through prayer, supplication and thanksgiving, make your request to God, and the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Just the other day I played golf with a friend and after the round he had a prayer request. He asked if I would pray for him because he was going home to confront his wife who had a problem with alcohol. I answered by saying of course. Then as I walked away I stopped and said I will be praying for you every day.
Constant prayer does make a difference both for the one who prays and the one being prayed for.
The Rev. Larry L. Marshall is the pastor at the Captiva Chapel by the Sea.