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For 30 years, Christian leader and spiritual adviser Billy Graham has been offering advice to the thousands of readers who share their problems ...
Read more about By Billy Graham, Tribune Media Services.
For 30 years, Christian leader and spiritual adviser Billy Graham has been offering advice to the thousands of readers who share their problems ...
Read more about By Billy Graham, Tribune Media Services.
Does Prayer Make Any Difference?
By Billy Graham, Tribune Media Services
Q: For years we've had a little sign on our kitchen wall that says,
"Prayer Changes Things." But we've been going through some hard times
lately, and frankly I'm beginning to wonder if prayer does make any
difference. Does it? -- W.F.
A: What you're really wondering, I suspect, is whether or not God actually hears your prayers -- and I want to assure you that He does. The reason is because He loves you and wants what is best for you.
Does this mean He always answers our prayers the way we think He should? No, it doesn't -- but the reason is because He sees the whole picture, while we see only a part. We think we know what would be best for us -- and sometimes we do. But sometimes God knows that what we're asking for isn't what we really need; it may even be harmful for us. And because He loves us, He sometimes says "No" to our demands.
This is why we must always seek God's will when we pray. Yes, bring your requests to God, and share your burdens with Him. But above all, pray for His will to be done in your life. The Bible says, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us" (1 John 5:14).
Does prayer change things? Yes, it does -- when we truly seek God's will. Sometimes He changes the situation, and it isn't wrong to pray that He will. But sometimes He changes us, strengthening us from within and increasing our faith so we'll get through life's hard times. Put Christ and His will first in your life, and then trust God to go before you and show you His will.
========
Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.
(c)2008 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
This news arrived on: 08/07/2008
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Posted Comments:
08-09-2008 03:10
Kay Akharume wrote:
Does Prayer Change Things
Yes prayer does change things for the beter always, don't ever doubt this, cos that's what the devil want you to do to discredit the work of God in our lives.
First,We must realise that God's ways are not our ways and His tot are higher than ours, also His judgement is perfect. The Bible tells us in the new testament that most times we pray and do not receive cos we do not pray or ask right, so we need to pray according to God's will for our lives bearing in mind that only His counsel will stand as it is said in the bk of Isaiah.
Then we should never loose heart cos it also says in the of James 5:16 that our prayers is very effective, so prayer is a very importatnt part of a christians's life, pls do not let the devil deprive you of this source of power.
With a little patience you will see the reason God didn't answer that prayer at the time we tot we needed it, He sees the whole picture as Pastor Graham said and we only see as far as our noses, so we have to fully trust in God's love and ability. And sometime we actually need to pray just to learn to do more often.
May God strengthen us as we wait, for it said that though it tarries we should wait,God never fails.
First,We must realise that God's ways are not our ways and His tot are higher than ours, also His judgement is perfect. The Bible tells us in the new testament that most times we pray and do not receive cos we do not pray or ask right, so we need to pray according to God's will for our lives bearing in mind that only His counsel will stand as it is said in the bk of Isaiah.
Then we should never loose heart cos it also says in the of James 5:16 that our prayers is very effective, so prayer is a very importatnt part of a christians's life, pls do not let the devil deprive you of this source of power.
With a little patience you will see the reason God didn't answer that prayer at the time we tot we needed it, He sees the whole picture as Pastor Graham said and we only see as far as our noses, so we have to fully trust in God's love and ability. And sometime we actually need to pray just to learn to do more often.
May God strengthen us as we wait, for it said that though it tarries we should wait,God never fails.
08-07-2008 17:39
Revmark wrote:
Prayer changing things.
James, I think you need to read it again.
Matt 24:4-31, Mark 13:24-27
And then,
9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Acts 1:9-11
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Thess 4:16-18
Perhaps your view needs to be expanded by the whole Bible, and not just a few Scriptures. When Jesus does return, every eye will see Him. He is not coming back secretly, and only revealing Himself to a select few.
God Bless
Revmark
Matt 24:4-31, Mark 13:24-27
And then,
9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Acts 1:9-11
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Thess 4:16-18
Perhaps your view needs to be expanded by the whole Bible, and not just a few Scriptures. When Jesus does return, every eye will see Him. He is not coming back secretly, and only revealing Himself to a select few.
God Bless
Revmark
08-07-2008 13:51
Granny Pam wrote:
Does Prayer Help
Absolutely! No question about. Billy answered your question better than anyone could have answered it. Your question was "Does Prayer Help" and if you re-read Billy's answer it gives you the best answer. He's right. We may pray for something but the Lord knows what is best for us. He does see the whole picture and sometimes He will not answer your question the way you might want it. It that happens, then ask yourself another question. Does, what I am asking for, help or hinder my life? Does it make me stronger or weaker? It it may my life easier or will it, in the end, make my life harder. But always ask for God's will, believing and having faith He will give us an answer. He loves you very much because he made you with His very own hands. So believe that He will take care of you.God bless you and always ask for "wisdom and knowledge"...I will keep you in my prayers...
08-07-2008 11:52
ANDREW OLIVER SATCHELL wrote:
ANDREW OLIVER SATCHELL
I LIVE IN PRAYER
08-07-2008 02:42
JamesS wrote:
Prayer
I agree with Mr. Graham on most things. Primarily his messages about salvation. But I believe his eschatological views are wrong. I ttruly believe all prophecies in the Bible have been fulfilled, including the "second coming" of Jesus Christ. If he is wrong, as I believe he is, then the whole truth of the Bible is not being preached by him. A serious error is reaching the ears of many Christians, all over the world. There are many verses in the Bible thast support my view on eschatology. I'm not trying to prove I am right. I am trying to tell others that it is so very important to have the Bible interpreted properly in order for the truth to be told.
Sincerely, JamesS
Sincerely, JamesS
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