The prayer of the righteous person is powerful and effective. (James 5:16)

Prayer is really about making ourselves available. It is being present to God. When we are available and present to God, the extraordinary happens. Just remember that the end result may not be what we want.

Reading in 2 Kings this morning, I found the choice given to the people to be very familiar. I have not faced their situation, but I recognize the temptation. Trust the Lord and Hezekiah and die, or trust the Assyians and enjoy prosperity. (2 Kings 18) The choice was the complete opposite from what Moses offered the people: choose God and find life. The temptation given by the king of Assyrian was prosperity, but in no way would that have been the outcome if the people had chosen the Assyrian way over God’s way. But there is still that voice I hear, that frighteningly familiar voice: “follow me and I will give you what you want”. That voice has always been a lie, because it shuts God out.

Thursday’s reading from Psalm 46 still works: Be still and know that I am God. Translation: Enough! Listen to God. Be present. Be available to God. The prayer of the righteous person is powerful and effective.

Today’s readings: 2 Kings 18-19; 2 Chronicles 32; James 5