Does Prayer Really Work?

Some time back, I had an interesting conversation with a man who came by to clean our carpet. The train of thought turned to America, “where we have been” and “where we are headed.” He was trying his best to be positive about the future, but it was very difficult. He mentioned that we need to pray for the president. I was feeling kinda down and a bit pessimistic at that prospect, but I agreed that we need to pray. I blamed our leaders for the situation in America and he said, "We the people..." put him there. This guy left and I began to think that we Americans ... Christian Americans ... need to be on our faces before God to confess our sins and to pray for those in authority over us.

In 2 Chronicles 7:13-15, God said, "When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.

Do we really believe God ... do we believe that He can change our hearts ... do we believe that He still has a plan for America? Is God really sovereign? Is He still in control? Do I believe?
Recorded in John 16: 23, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, my Father will give you anything you ask for in my name.” And, in 24 ” ...Ask and you will receive, so that your joy will be the fullest possible joy.” Then, after the disciples stated their faith, He said in 31 “So now you believe?” And finally, in 33 ... “In this world you will have trouble, but be brave! I have defeated the world."

In 2007 Chuck Swindoll wrote a prayer for the National Day of Prayer which was printed on book-marks that were sent out all over the country to those who had agreed to join in that day. I still have this in my Bible and it reads:
"Almighty God, we pause to reflect on Your character as we seek wisdom for such a time as this.
In these unsafe days, You remain all-powerful and able to protect;
In these uncertain times, You remain all-knowing, leading us aright;
In the unprecedented events we're facing, You remain absolutely sovereign. Our times are in Your hands.
Therefore, our dependence on You, is total, not partial ... our need for Your forgiveness is constant ... our gratitude for Your grace is profound ... our love for You is deep.
We ask that You guard and guide our President and all who serve the people of these United States.
May uncompromising integrity mark their lives.
We also ask that You unite us as truly "one nation, under God." May genuine humility return to our ranks.
And may that blend of integrity and humility heal our land.
In our Lord's name we pray, Amen.”