When We Forget Just How Powerful

Recently, I was asked if I would be willing to lead a prayer for an upcoming event. Often in group activities, I default to letting the stronger personalities take the lead while I fly comfortably under the radar. So out of curiosity, I asked her why she was asking me and was surprised by her answer:

"..You have one of the purest hearts. If your prayers don't knock on the gates of heaven, then there isn't hope for me."

Her words silenced my mind. I'd never considered myself to have any special gift or effectiveness toward prayer. Could it be that prayer sometimes resounds strongly in the heavens because of a humble spirit, bold faith, or immense love? Although I've often heard that "praying is the most powerful thing we can do," I don't always operate with that attitude. Plenty of times, I've done everything possible to "fix" the situation--and add in some prayers hoping they'll supplement the results. 

How would life be different if we really believed our prayers rattled heaven's gates and caused clouds to thunder at the swift response of angels? How much more peace would we have if we breathed "Amen" with a certainty that dynamic heavenly beings were en route to our situation?

Maybe someday we'll be shown all that has happened specifically as a result of our prayers. In the meantime, as daily concerns bring a sense of sadness or hopelessness, we can remind ourselves that prayers aren't measly hopes that God will sprinkle some leftover help in our direction--our prayers are changing eternity.