Prayer Changes Us
We are rich and strong, good and holy, beneficent and benignant, by answered prayer. It is not the mere performance, the attitude, nor the words of prayer, which bring benefit to us, but it is the answer sent direct from heaven. Conscious, real answers to prayer bring real good to us. This is not praying merely for self, or simply for selfish ends. The selfish character cannot exist when the prayer conditions are fulfilled.
It is by these answered prayers that human nature is enriched. The answered prayer brings us into constant and conscious communion with God, awakens and enlarges gratitude, and excites the melody and lofty inspiration of praise. Answered prayer is the mark of God in our praying. It is the exchange with heaven, and it establishes and realizes a relationship with the unseen.
—E. M. Bounds
The Possibilities of Prayer
Bounds points out a fundamental truth: prayer changes us. All too often, we think of prayer as a petition and reward mechanism … sort of like a child asking Santa for a toy at Christmas time. Sometimes we even go so far as to consider ‘whether we’ve been naughty or nice’ as a condition in how God will answer. Prayer is not about getting; it’s about growing. Effectual prayer doesn’t get things for us; it changes us. Sure, we pray for things we desperately hope for, like a loved one’s healing from illness. But as we pray, our hearts deepen in intimacy with God, aligning to the point of our being able to profess, as Jesus did, “nevertheless, not my will, but Yours be done.” As we pray today, let’s consider the work our God is accomplishing in us as far more important than ‘what we’ll find under the tree.’ —DH
—David Hoskins, Founder & Care Guide, Sanctuary Clinics