When its one crisis after another, we can either go numb, or bow our heads

3 min read

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.

1 Timothy 2:1

There once was a common mantra that prayer changes things.

Does it still, or has the power of prayer somehow been canceled?

By the lack of public calls to prayer these days, particularly from those who have the influence to do so, it would appear that prayer is no longer our go-to when crisis looms.

This is unfortunate.

At the peak of COVID-19, quietly behind the scenes was a movement of people banded together in prayer. These people, from different parts of the world, didn’t necessarily know each other or speak to one another. There was no rally or event that prompted them. Yet, in Jesus’ Name, they consistently prayed and asked God for two things: (1) His forgiveness for our transgressions; and (2) for His mercy in our time of dire need.

Many of us believe this intercession made a tangible difference. While the last couple of years have been difficult on so many levels, God’s intervention in response to people praying has made it less devastating than it might have been.

Once again, the story of David offers a helpful illustration. In 2 Samuel 24, when his people were experiencing the downstream effects of bad choices and a plague was upon them, David was perceptive enough to know that it would take more than just a scientific solution. The antedote wasn’t something that could be worked out in a lab.

Out of concern for those in his care, King David wasted no time embracing the role of intercessor and going to God in prayer:

And David built there an altar to the Lord and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the Lord responded to the plea for the land, and the plague was averted from Israel.

2 Samuel 24:25

It could be argued that this wasn’t David’s job and that he should have left it to the professionals (High Priest, etc.), but David didn’t handle it that way. Quite simply, he and his people were in a tough spot and they needed God’s help. So David prayed. And God responded.

To pray is every believer’s role and privilige.

Sidenote – David also built an altar and made animal sacrifices to accompany his prayers. Because of Jesus, this kind of sacrifice is no longer necessary. Jesus is our peace offering. Because of His once-and-for-all sacrifice on the Cross (Hebrews 10:11-14), we have full opportunity to approach God the Father anytime, anywhere, and for anything. He cleared the path, but we must avail ourselves.

So, as we often do here at Devotions on the Run, this is a gentle reminder that it’s never too late to pray. Today may God help us to unhook from whatever detains or distracts us and draw near to Him. The minutes we give to prayer today could quite possibly be our most productive.

It’s a new day with God. Run with it.