The Power of Prayer

2 Corinthians 1:8-11

We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

In the sermon today at my church, the pastor talked about the power of prayer. He brought up a story which has stuck in my mind ever since.

In Japan, there is a pastor who goes around to different cities, villages and towns to preach the Gospel. He goes every year, with the same message. There is one extremely small town, and every year, they react in an extraordinary way. The pastor wanted to know why this small town is reacting in such a big way. He talked to the pastor of that town, and he didn't know. He talked to residents, he talked to philosophers. No one knew why that particular town reacted in that manner.

One day, the pastor received an invitation to preach in Sweden. He had never been there, and agreed to go. After he was done preaching, a little old Swedish lady came up to him and said, "I received this piece of paper from a missionary. I have never been to Japan, and I don't know anyone who is Japanese. Do you know this town?"

The pastor took the paper and read what was on it. There was only one word, and it was the name of the town in Japan that reacted in such a extraordinary way towards the Gospel. The lady said "I have been praying for this town every day since I got this piece of paper."
The pastor instantly knew why the town was so impacted by the Word of God. The power of prayer can do many things. It can heal terrible wounds, and it can change someone's heart.

Prayer is an invitation to God for him to Deliver us. Be sure to pray this week for others, and for yourself. Pray that God will bring peace and healing to the Boston marathon victims, and their families. Also, have compassion for Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, and his family, as he is a lamb lead astray.

Thank you, and have a wonderful week!