The Power of Prayer

Bible Reading: Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“What are we going to do?” Emily asked as she and her mother shared some French fries in the mall food court one Saturday afternoon. They had already spent several hours shopping for a dress she could wear to the school concert. Emily was tall for her age, and nothing seemed to fit right. To make matters worse, Emily’s dad had lost his job a couple months before, and the family was living on a limited budget.

“Why don’t we take a moment to pray about it?” suggested Mom.

“Really?” asked Emily. “I thought we only prayed before we eat, or at church, or when someone is sick, like when Grandma had pneumonia.”

“We certainly pray at those times,” replied Mom. “But God loves us and cares about everything that’s going on in our lives, both big and small, and He wants us to pray about it all.”

“Wow,” Emily said. “I guess I never realized I could talk to God about anything.”

“That’s right,” said Mom. “After all, Jesus is our friend. And you don’t develop a relationship with a friend without talking to Him. Even better, He promises to help us in every situation! That’s why the first thing we should do when we have a problem is take it to Him in prayer instead of trying to work it out ourselves. We can trust Him to do what’s best.”

“Let’s do it then!” said Emily. She bowed her head and prayed, “Dear Jesus, please help us find a dress we can afford. And thank you for loving me and inviting me to come to You at any time about anything.”

A few days later, Emily and her mother found a dress that was within their price range. It was a little short, but Grandma agreed to lengthen it for the concert.

On the night of the show, Emily received several compliments on her pretty dress. “I’m so glad my prayer wasn’t too small for God to answer,” she told her parents on the way home. “I can’t wait to thank Him and tell Him all about it!” Sarah Child

How About You?

Did you know that you can talk to Jesus about anything—and you can do it anywhere, anytime? He loves you so much He wants to hear about everything going on in your life—your worries, your fears, your hopes, your dreams, and anything else you want to tell Him. He will help you with your problems and guide you in doing what’s best. Talk to Him today!

Today’s Key Verse:
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

But first, pray