Words of Grace

By Rev. Mahlon Nevel

“More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.” These words, attributed to Alfred Lord Tennyson, have been around for a long time.

There are many other sayings about prayer that have become well known over the years, such as:

“Prayer is the answer.

“Prayer changes things.”

“Prayer is the key to Heaven.”

Jesus taught his disciples that they “ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:1). The apostle Paul wrote “Pray without ceasing” (I Thessalonians 5:17)

There is a story about a Christian man who prayed for great things. But he didn’t seem to get what he asked for.

He asked for strength to do greater things, but he was given infirmity that he might do better things.

He asked for power that he might have the praise of men, but he was given weakness that he might feel the need of God.

There was another Christian man who found himself in great perplexity. He prayed and prayed, but he found no relief in prayer.

One day, as he was kneeling in prayer, he looked up and saw a card on a shelf, with the words:
“Try Thanksgiving !”

He did just that. And sure enough, the Lord gave him peace in his heart by removing all his cares.
“Continue in prayer… with thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2).