12/09/2024
My devotional reading this morning was on the subject of the universality of prayer. I have been reading Pastor E. M. Bounds this year, and today he was writing on the impact that our prayers have on not only us personally, but the world as a whole. This is a subject that is near to my heart, and so when he wrote on this subject it grabbed my attention instantly. Listen as he makes this statement, and then let’s delve into it.
"Prayer has far-reaching and worldwide effects. Prayer goes everywhere and lays its hand upon everything. There is a universality in prayer." - E. M. Bounds
God gives us hope, joy, and peace through the power of prayer and the promise that He not only hears them, but acts upon them. When we pray in the Spirit there is no place that is unapproachable, and no request that is too difficult or unreachable. The omnipotence of God removes both time and space from the equation of prayer. He is with me at this instant, and he is also with my sisters who live 700 miles away at this very same instant…In God there is no waiting or delay as the impact of our prayers travel across those miles, because, after all, it is there already! During World War II the prayers of mothers were reaching sons around the world as quickly as they were being lifted up, and that is a universal truth… it was true then, now, and forevermore.
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
Romans 15:13 KJV
I have written before about the fact that our prayers have weight and substance. When we pray, our words, and spiritual utterances, are not just vapor that dissipates and is lost, no, prayer reaches the very throne of God. It also flows around the world like a wave, and comforts us like a salve; it strengthens missionaries, brings comfort to the families of those being martyred, provides for the hungry, and so much more. But, the most powerful impact is that it draws lost souls to God through Jesus Christ. This is a prayer which is above all others; a plea for the souls of the lost in which time may be of the essence.
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”
1 Timothy 2:1, 3-4 KJV
I have twin sisters and now, in their older years, they live together... But when younger and separated by many miles something remarkable still linked them. When one of them would be sick, or in need, the other could feel it, and would reach out asking "what's wrong? What's going on?" This is just an inkling of what happens when we pray. Our prayers link us with others regardless of where they are. Our prayer for a loved one's healing in Phoenix is offered up in Nashville, but through the omnipotence of our Father it is felt immediately in Arizona, and realized through the will of God. Prayer knows no physical boundary... no distance is too far for it to travel instantly, no dungeon so secure that it could imprison one word of it, and no person so muted that their very thoughts, and moans, aren't known by God.
“And Mizpah; for he said, The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.”
Genesis 31:49 KJV
So as we pray, we should never be hesitant when asking for the salvation of the world, and all those around it who are in need of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, or you. Father God answer every prayer for mercy and salvation on their behalf.
Today, and at this moment, we see that our prayers are impacting bodies, souls, and yes, all of creation in which we live. No matter how near or far, our spiritual intercession travels there at the instant of our praying, and does your will. Our universal prayers glorify you by delivering your forgiveness, redemption, and grace to the lost and foundering. Our universal prayers heap praise upon you for every miracle, and each answer you give us. Hear us now as we pray Lord…
Prayer:
Thank you Father for the universal nature of our prayers, and for closing the distance between us to an outstretched hand, and between ourselves and you to the closeness of an embrace. Father thank you for hearing the words of our prayers, even for those in the furthest reaches of the world, and then for answering them in the blink of an eye, regardless of the distance. We are in awe of your power and faithfulness as we kneel in our prayer closets, or sit in our prayer chairs. Our tears are those of belief and thankfulness... even as we pray secretly, or without seeing on another. Lord, you provide for us, and encourage us, to pray for one another in this way, and we thank you for allowing us to participate in this manner with you. We reach out to you through our prayers, and you perform miracles, and make provision in the lives of others. You love us Father, and through our intercessory prayers you instantly comfort us in our love for one another. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God, who speaks with us, and answers when we call out for anything that is in compliance with your will, done with a righteous heart, and asked in the name of Jesus. Holy are you who transports us instantly in prayer to the furthest reaches of the world, and of the universe itself. In you we are able to embrace your Son Jesus, hold one another, and abide in your love, even when we are thousands of miles apart… and we can do this just as if we were reaching out and taking one another immediately in one another’s arms. Praised be your name Father, and let all the glory of prayer be yours. Hear each of us as we pray Abba, and whether we are asking for forgiveness, redemption, rescue, healing, provision, or any number of other needs and desires answer us. Hear us as we proclaim our faith, and belief in you, and your Son Jesus Christ, then give us your greatest promise… your eternal love, and an eternity in your presence.
In this way, and on this day, we join hands across time and space to stand in your glorious presence and loudly proclaim… Amen, Amen, Amen… to the sweet prayers of your children, wherever they are in the vastness of your creation!
Rich Forbes