The Miracle of Prayer

2 Kings 3:16-20

“16 And he [Elisha] said, “Thus says the Lord, ‘I will make this wadi full of pools.’ 17 For thus says the Lord, ‘You shall see neither wind nor rain, but the wadi shall be filled with water, so that you shall drink, you, your cattle, and your animals.’ 18 This is only a trifle in the sight of the Lord, for he will also hand Moab over to you. 19 You shall conquer every fortified city and every choice city; every good tree you shall fell, all springs of water you shall stop up, and every good piece of land you shall ruin with stones.” 20 The next day, about the time of the morning offering, suddenly water began to flow from the direction of Edom, until the country was filled with water.”

Elisha heard the voice of the Lord and told the three Kings that God would give them water. Despite the celebrating and high fives this news must have caused, Elisha gave them the second part of the good news.  He told them that water in the wadi was a small thing compared to the victory they would have over the Moabites.

So, it was a good day for the three Kings.

When God answers our prayers with an outcome that favors us, it is always a good day.  But on those days that God does not answer our prayers in the way we have requested, we regard those days as bad.

The reality is that God hears our prayers.  All of our prayers.   And answers them in His own way, in His own time, in His own wisdom.

And that is the true miracle of prayer.  

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)