“God only knows the times my life was threatened just today.
A reckless car ran out of gas before it ran my way.
Near misses all around me, accidents unknown,
Though I never see with human eyes the hands that lead me home.
But I know they’re all around me all day and through the night.”
— Angels by Amy Grant
It is rare that we are given a peek at the tragedies avoided because someone prayed. Yet, I have seen amazing answers to prayer—some of which I’ve shared in past blogs. Still, being an analyzer at heart, I can’t help but ask why. Why does an all-powerful God need my prompts to change things? If He wanted to act, He could. He doesn’t need me. So why prayer? Why does it take prayer for God to decide to move?
I had a little breakthrough in my thick skull while listening to a video by Pete Greig on intercessory prayer, and I can’t wait to share it.
The first thing Greig pointed out was a biblical account where talking with God actually changed the outcome. Abraham negotiated with God over the fate of Sodom. In a respectful—and slightly humorous—conversation, Abraham convinced God to spare the righteous rather than destroy everyone. I think God was moved by Abraham’s humility, reverence, and persistent faith. (Check it out in Genesis 18:16–33.)
Then Greig shifted to God’s gift of free will. God gave us a choice: to love and follow Him, or to go our own way. This choice extends into our daily actions and how we treat others. God did not make us puppets. If we choose to defy Him and hurt others, He allows that freedom. This interplay of free will means future events are not set in stone. Prayer, then, becomes the way we align our will with God’s. Our choices—and our prayers—can release or restrict the power of God.
Let’s Do This—but How?
We have power over circumstances in prayer. Scripture affirms this over and over.
1 John 5:14–15
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
What an amazing gift! When we ask unselfishly for the things God desires to set right, He responds. He dotes on us—sometimes even spoils us—with blessings we don’t deserve. All we have to do is have a conversation with Him.
How do we know His will? Like a good parent, He doesn’t give us what will ultimately harm us. He sees our future and filters our requests through His wisdom so we don’t have to worry about asking for the wrong thing. Our job isn’t to figure it all out—we simply need to ask, and keep asking. He will sort it out.
2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Prayer must start with humility in our attitude. God is waiting to answer our humble requests—those offered with reverence and awe.
But What About…?
Of course, this doesn’t fully explain why loved ones suffer, why cancer claims lives too soon, or why the wicked seem to prosper. Even with this new revelation, I can’t explain it all. But honestly, I don’t want a God so simple that my little brain could explain Him.
Simply Pray—It Is Our Responsibility
What I do know is this: prayer changes things. If we want to work with God, love Him, and bless those around us, we can. In fact, it’s our responsibility.
Because of God’s gift of free will, our prayers matter. They open the door for God to act. That truth adds a little urgency—and a lot of hope—to my prayer life.
