The Power of Prayer

Those Who Pray Also Take Part

A true story attributed to David Livingstone (1) begins in a small church in Scotland.

A missionary had returned from Africa to share the needs of that land and encourage others to serve there. It was a cold and rainy day. When he found only a few people in attendance, many of them elderly, he felt somewhat discouraged: he had hoped to find people who might be willing to go with him.

Even so, he delivered his message. At the end, he asked who would be willing to go. A boy who was helping the organist replied that he wanted to. According to the story, that boy was David Livingstone. He was advised to study medicine so that he could serve as a missionary doctor.

Years later, while already in Africa, the chief of a nearby tribe threatened to attack his camp and kill everyone there. Livingstone prayed in anguish.

The attack never happened.

Some time later, that chief became a Christian. Then he was asked what had happened that night and why they had not gone ahead with the attack.

When asked about it, the chief said: Yes, we did go, but we left, because we saw thirty-nine huge warriors protecting the camp.

The missionary did not understand what he meant. But during a later visit to Scotland, Livingstone told this story, and the pastor was surprised. The date reminded him of a special prayer meeting. When they compared the date with the church records, the person responsible for keeping those records asked Livingstone whether he remembered the date of the threat. Livingstone gave the date, and when they checked the notes from the prayer meetings, they found something remarkable: on that very same day, thirty-nine people had gathered in that church in Scotland to pray for him.

Do not underestimate prayer!

Pray for your children, your family, your brothers and sisters in Christ, your pastors, and those who are going through a trial. Ask how they are doing. Listen to their needs. And keep praying, even if the answer seems slow in coming.

When you say, “I will pray for you,” turn it into a commitment. Let that person have a place in your prayers, not only in your thoughts.

You do not need to speak eloquently or find the perfect words. Come before the Lord in faith and say: “Father, You know what this person is going through. Sustain them, guide them, and show me how I can help.”

Think of someone today. Put a name to your prayer and begin. We do not know how God will answer, but we can trust in His love and care.

“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him,
and delivers them.”
Psalm 34:7

(1) Note: David Livingstone (1813–1873) was a Scottish physician, Christian missionary, and explorer, known for his travels throughout Africa and for speaking out against the slave trade.