Questions

My mind is full of questions this afternoon. I was walking home from meeting with my friend and I passed a man who was having difficulty walking due to legs that were somewhat deformed. We greeted each other and as I continued on I said a prayer that God would bless him. Suddenly, the thought came to me...what if God wanted more for that man than just a half-hearted blessing and good thought? What if God wanted to capture that man's heart with His love? What if God wanted to heal his body in a physical way? What might God do in that man's life if I really prayed for him?

I've been reading the book of Luke in my devotions. Luke was a doctor, so naturally his book focuses a lot on Jesus' miraculous healings. He healed a man who was paralyzed. Jesus delivered a boy who was possessed by a demon. He raised a widow's son from the dead. Luke 4:40 says, "The people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them." The Scriptures are full of examples of healing, restoration, and deliverance. As far as I can remember, God did all of these things because His children were praying. Even Jesus, God's Son, knew the importance of spending much time in prayer. Do I really believe that if I pray Jesus still has the power and desire to work miracles in people's lives today?

What could happen in my neighborhood if I began to pray for the salvation and healing of my neighbors? Would the man who sits on the corner in the same clothes everyday begin to smile because he's realizing that God loves him and offers him hope? Might the old men who sit under the tree all day become men of God who could teach their children and grandchildren the ways of the Lord? Perhaps the kids who pass me on their way to school each morning would be better able to apply themselves in their studies so that someday they can grow up to help others? And what about my sweet neighbor-lady in her little restaurant next door? Could she also offer spiritual food to those who are hungry and desperately searching?

So today, I'm asking myself--Why do I pray? Is it a habit? Do I pray just to "cover my bases," so I feel better? Or, do I believe that, "The prayer of a righteous man (or woman) is powerful and effective?" (James 5:17)