Why didn't you pray more?

September 13, 2023

From Eileen States

Prayer is such a powerful gift given to us as a means of communication with a God who is eager to listen and speak to us each and every day. In her little book Steps to Christ, Ellen White penned these words, “prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse. . . .”

This past week Pastor Joe and I have had the privilege of meeting each morning with the staff and students of Carman Adventist School. Our topic has been on what it means to stand in the gap and pray for the needs of others. I asked the students to think about the number one question the angels will be asking us when we get to heaven. I believe it will be, “Why didn’t you pray more?” Alluding to the quote mentioned above, we can visualize storehouses full of blessings and gifts sitting in heaven going nowhere because we did not ask! James 4:2 literally says, “You have not because you ask not.”

Church family, we have a God who is eager to do big things not only in your life, but in the lives of those you pray for. I like to use the five finger illustration to remind me of who to pray for in my life. The thumb reminds me to pray for those closest to me, my family. We can look at the story of Abraham interceding with God for his nephew Lot and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

The pointer finger helps us to remember to pray for those who direct our life such as pastors and teachers. Pastor Joe shared the story of Peter being prayed for by his church people when he was in prison. God answered with an amazing delivery from the prison guard!!

The middle finger is your tallest finger, and it is a reminder to pray for those in leadership positions within the government of our state and country. I feel sometimes we wipe our hands of thinking anything will ever help our government leaders, even prayer. We studied the story of Daniel and his three friends who prayed for wisdom and for King Nebuchadnezzar after having a dream, which he was unable to remember or interpret. God came through in a mighty way as a direct answer to prayer, and Nebuchadnezzar was given a glimpse into the power of God. An entire pagan empire was introduced to the one true God as an answer to prayer.

The ring finger is our weakest finger. Who more than the weak need our prayers? God worked an amazing miracle as an answer to prayer for a lady named Tabitha (Dorcas). She was a warrior for the early christian church, helping so many, but she became sick and died. When Peter prayed on her behalf, God raised her back to life. Amazing! Let’s spend more time in prayer for those who are weak physically, spiritually, and emotionally.

Finally, our pinkie finger is a reminder to pray for ourselves. God desires to pour out His blessings on each of our lives. I think of Hannah crying out and pleading with God for a child. God heard her prayer and blessed her with a little boy who would grow up to be a strong leader in Israel for many years.

When we get to heaven, may it not be said of us, “Why didn’t you pray more?!”