“A man may study because his brain is hungry for knowledge, even Bible knowledge. But he prays because his soul is hungry for God.” -Leonard Ravenhill

Several years ago during a dry season in my prayer life, I began reading books on prayer. I read books on how to pray, what to pray, when to pray, various forms of prayer, and even where to pray.

The books were helpful, but not convicting, however, when I began to study who God is, my prayer life changed. I pray to God, who created the heavens and the earth, God who took a lump of clay and made a man, took a rib and made a woman, and God who can move mountains. God, who gave us His Son so we could live lives of peace, hope, joy, and the promise of being with Him forever. He is holy and I stand in awe of being able to talk to Him.

Even now, my prayer life goes through stages and I have to constantly remind myself of who God is! He changed my heart and my life and I am overwhelmed with gratitude.

One aspect of prayer I have come to love is how God brings someone to our thoughts and minds through our daily lives. I have learned it is not random and I don’t ignore it. When someone comes to mind, I immediately ask God to give them strength, wisdom, and peace. Often, I am able to surrender it, but if not, I often call or sit down and write them a note. It is amazing how often they share how timely the call or note was. God is amazing and His timing is always perfect.

I have had several instances in my life where people have interceded for me through prayer, words, and notes of encouragement and love.

When I was a student back in the 70’s at Cincinnati Christian University, I was called to the Financial Office and told kindly, but firmly I would not be able to return for second semester unless I could pay my bill. My heart was hurting and I began to pray. I prayed for wisdom in knowing what to do—perhaps a second job or maybe waiting to return until the following school year. I shared it with a few friends before leaving to go home to Conneautville, Pennsylvania for the weekend. When I returned on Sunday evening and opened the door to my dorm room, there were several envelopes that had been slipped under the door. Each contained money. Some had $1 and others up to $50. One had a note I still have to this day to remind me of God’s provision.

“Dear Linda, I asked the Lord to speak to me as I was reading His Word one day. I read Matthew 25:31-46 and thought of you. Someone had said you needed some money and I had some, so please accept this as a gift of love and an act of obedience to Christ. A brother PTL”

I had enough for my bill and was able to stay in school. How grateful I was and still am for this brother in Christ who put feet on his prayers!

I have another note dated March 25, 1992.

Dear Linda, It’s Thursday afternoon. It’s now about 1:55pm. I was folding clothes and I’ve never felt so like the Lord instructed me to call you. I have no idea why. I called. Your husband said you were away to Kentucky for the weekend and would return on Monday. I’ve prayed for your safety and strength for the weekend. I’ve asked the Lord if I misunderstood and if so for His guidance in what it was I was to share with you. At any rate, if there’s something I can help you with, let me know. In His Service, Ruth R.

Here is what happened that day. I was traveling with a friend to speak at a ladies conference. I was traveling in the left lane of a 4-lane highway and I glanced back to the right-hand side of my car to see if I merge to the right lane. I thought I saw a car right beside me and I swerved back and then begin to fishtail all over the freeway. Fortunately, I regained control and we went on our way. (Side Note: What I had actually seen in my back right window were my hanging clothes. I now hang them on the back of my seat…never over the windows)

It was that very afternoon, God brought my name to Ruth’s thoughts and she acted upon it. Once again, I am so thankful she listened and prayed for me in that moment.

I am confident we could sit and share thousands of stories of how lives have been blessed through prayers and obedience to those prayers. May we be a people that pray and act when God prompts us to!

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (James 5:16)

1. When God brings someone to your thoughts, trust it is from Him and act upon it through prayer or further action.

2. When you write a note to someone, instead of telling them you will be praying for them, write out the prayer in the note. I have been personally blessed by this precious gift.

3. Be aware of who God brings into your everyday life! Even at places as simple as the grocery store. I love to reflect back on a day and smile at how God’s weaving of lives makes a beautiful and interesting tapestry.

4. Pray a prayer of praise…only praise. Read and meditate on the words of Psalm 150.

“I often say my prayers, but do I ever pray? And do the wishes of my heart, go with the words I say? I might as well kneel down, and worship gods of stone. As offer to the living God, a prayer of words alone.” -Author Unknown