Prayer works

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A few months ago, while we were in the London airport, my daughter found some coins. I had no idea that God would use this seemingly insignificant event as a building block of faith. But then, God is ever surprising, isn’t He?

Recently, when we were scheduled to travel through that same airport again, the memory was clearly on Sabrina’s mind. “Mom, will I find some more coins tomorrow?” she asked.

My immediate response was, “I don’t know, maybe. Why don’t you pray about it? God knows everything. If there are some coins there, maybe He’ll show you where they are.”

At the time, I gave this conversation little thought. It is possible that these words just flowed from my spirit and bypassed my mind. It is also possible that I was temporarily insane and completely irresponsible. Why would I suggest such a thing? I’ve been trying so hard to teach her about prayer, and I had probably just set her up for failure. Finding money isn’t the type of thing one prays for!

The following day, while walking through the airport, the subject surfaced again, “Mom, do you think I’ll find some coins?”

“I don’t know. Did you pray about it?” Secretly, I hoped she hadn’tI didn’t want her to be disappointed.

“Yes! Last night!” And off she ran to the same corner where she’d found the coins before. She returned from her quest empty-handed. The look on her face was one of sheer disappointment. We walked through the customs area in silence.

As we walked toward the train, I could think of nothing to say. I was too busy berating myself. This was, of course, entirely my fault. What had made me suggest such a thing?

“Oh Lord, forgive me. But please, help me out here. There’s so much riding on this. How else will she ever learn that prayer works?”

She’ll learn from you, came God’s words, whispered into my heart.

We approached the first compartment of the train, and I pushed the button for the door to open, but nothing happened. We traveled on to the next compartment, and I again tried the door, but it remained firmly locked. Finally, at the third compartment, the system seemed to work, and we were allowed to board the train. We hauled our luggage in and located two available seats in the far corner. Stepping into the row, I looked down, and there on the floor were two large, bright coins. Relief and awe surged through me. “Sabrina, look!”

She squealed in triumph, and like lightning, scooped them up.

With a smile, I teased her, “Who loves you? Who hears your prayers?”

“God does” replied a little face filled with wonder.

And a heart full of gratitude, eyes glistening with tears affirmed, “Yes, Sabrina, oh yes, He does!”

Thou hast given him His heart’s desire,

And hast not withheld the request of his lips.

For Thou dost meet him with the blessings of good things.

(Psalm 21:2-3, NASB)

Shari Weigerstorfer is a free-lance Christian writer, native to the West Coast of America.

By Shari Weigerstorfer

for Faithrwriters.com

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