The Power of Prayer

The Pastor at our church told this story Wednesday night and it not only cracked me up, but also reminded me how we often forget the true power of prayer!

A new bar was about to go into town and the local church congregation began to pray against it. A few days before opening, lightning struck the bar and it burned to the ground. The bartender, who had heard that this particular church congregation had been praying against his business, immediately sued the church, believing that their prayers were responsible for the building's demise. However, when appearing in court, the church denied all responsibility or connection to the building's fate, saying "We didn't actually think anything would happen!". After all had been said, the judge said with amusement "I don't know what to say. All I know is that it appears we have a bartender who believes in the power of prayer, and an entire church congregation who doesn't."


Sure, it's a joke that I am pretty sure is not true. But, joke or not, how many of us pray not really expecting anything to happen (not that we actually admit to that)? Imagine the possibilities if we actually prayed with expectancy, sincerely believing God will answer; if we actually prayed for revival in our nation and knew with excitement and faith that He is going to do something far greater than we can imagine. Even if we never see the fruit of that prayer in our lifetimes or understand the way He answers prayer, He still answers. Praise the Lord!