Isaiah 37:21 Then Isaiah son of Amoz sent this message to Hezekiah: “This is what the lord, the God of Israel, says: Because you prayed about King Sennacherib of Assyria, 22the lord has spoken this word against him:

Today’s culture is often pessimistic regarding the role of prayer and the difference it makes in life. A popular belief is that prayer is the same thing as positive thoughts or wishful thinking. However, prayer is completely different. Prayer is not confined to the cerebral limitations of your mind but prayer to the Father travels to the throne room of heaven and is heard by God. When you are in the straights of life don’t settle for just wishful thinking. Instead, engage in prayer.

When believers stand before God, I am convinced that we will see things that changed and things that remained the same based on our faithfulness to pray. In Isaiah 37, the prophet sent a message to Hezekiah to let him know that it was his prayer that caused the intervention of the Father on behalf of his nation. Many people were saved because one person prayed. The reality is that you have no way of knowing the lasting and far reaching effect your prayer can have. Prayer can outlive you, out reach you, and out perform your best efforts. If the plight of our nation, our churches, and our families are to change it will be because someone prayed. Be part of the agent of transformation in our day by engaging in prayer.

Today’s Challenge: The greatest doors in your life will be opened or remain shut dependent on your practice with prayer. Hezekiah’s life changed because he took his concern to the Lord. Don’t settle for what is or waste your life wishing things were different. Pray today and believe God to make the difference in your life and the lives of others.