Prayer changes things
What a trite expression for so powerful a truth!
I think each of us probably has stories to illustrate the fact that prayer changes things. Perhaps they were situations where God miraculously intervened or circumstances that made 180 degree turns; we know when this happens it's because we (and likely our friends) have been praying.
I work with two colleagues on a daily basis. There are a few others that are in and out of the office, but two of them are there with me every day. We should be like a three-strand cord--not easily broken--but actually it's often been more like a rope used in tug-of-war. The two of them pull against each other with all their might, and I'm stuck in between leaning to one side or the other. A friend suggested that I needed a whistle to referree their arguments, and I admit there have been times when I was tempted to bark "Enough!" in the voice my father used when he barked at us kids arguing in the back seat of the car (ahh, good times!).
There are lots of reasons why these two wonderful, mature Christians who are so commited to the Lord and His ministry, would be so opposed to one another. Mostly it comes down to personality and culture. This is where I get stuck in the middle: I identify with one of them in culture and the other in personality. Thankfully, that usually helps me to play peacemaker with whichever is more frustrated. One day while I was gone, however, they had it out with one another. After airing all their differences, they decided to pray together every morning before starting work. They've invited anyone on our staff to join them, but for different reasons, it has worked out to be mostly just the two of them (and me when I'm available).
The atmosphere in our office has changed dynamically. Not only are they generally kinder to each other, they are more accepting of each other's ideas and habits. Even better, they pray for the rest of our team, which makes them united allies in support of our needs as well.
I've heard it said before that you can't stay angry at someone you pray for, and it has become obvious to me that you can't stay angry at someone you pray with, either.
I think each of us probably has stories to illustrate the fact that prayer changes things. Perhaps they were situations where God miraculously intervened or circumstances that made 180 degree turns; we know when this happens it's because we (and likely our friends) have been praying.
I work with two colleagues on a daily basis. There are a few others that are in and out of the office, but two of them are there with me every day. We should be like a three-strand cord--not easily broken--but actually it's often been more like a rope used in tug-of-war. The two of them pull against each other with all their might, and I'm stuck in between leaning to one side or the other. A friend suggested that I needed a whistle to referree their arguments, and I admit there have been times when I was tempted to bark "Enough!" in the voice my father used when he barked at us kids arguing in the back seat of the car (ahh, good times!).
There are lots of reasons why these two wonderful, mature Christians who are so commited to the Lord and His ministry, would be so opposed to one another. Mostly it comes down to personality and culture. This is where I get stuck in the middle: I identify with one of them in culture and the other in personality. Thankfully, that usually helps me to play peacemaker with whichever is more frustrated. One day while I was gone, however, they had it out with one another. After airing all their differences, they decided to pray together every morning before starting work. They've invited anyone on our staff to join them, but for different reasons, it has worked out to be mostly just the two of them (and me when I'm available).
The atmosphere in our office has changed dynamically. Not only are they generally kinder to each other, they are more accepting of each other's ideas and habits. Even better, they pray for the rest of our team, which makes them united allies in support of our needs as well.
I've heard it said before that you can't stay angry at someone you pray for, and it has become obvious to me that you can't stay angry at someone you pray with, either.