Be A Friend Who Prays

“When a believing person prays, great things happen.” – James 5:16

Mark records: “Four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat.  They couldn’t get to Jesus through the crowd, so they dug through the clay roof above his head... they lowered the sick man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus.  Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, My child, your sins are forgiven” (Mark 2:3-5).

The word prayer doesn’t show up once in this paragraph.  But look closely and you’ll see it in action; four men lowering their sick friend through the roof into the presence of Jesus.  He stops preaching, looks at the man and then announces, “My child, your sins are forgiven.”

What stirred Jesus?  Mark answers, “Seeing their faith.” The faith of four friends triggered Christ’s power on his behalf.

Notice, he has no movement, no treatment, no answers, and no hope.  But what he does have is friends who know how to lift him into the presence of Christ.  The paralytic might be gulping ("don’t drop me!").  The homeowner might be groaning (de-roofing is decidedly antisocial).  But Christ?  He’s smiling!  Their faith stirs His strength.  He heals the man.  The paralytic leaves the house with a clean soul and strong body.

Faithful friends carry those they love in prayer, into God’s presence.  And when they do God responds.  How?  When?  The four men didn’t know.  And we don’t know either, but we know this: “When a believing person prays, great things happen.”

So be that kind of friend.  Go ahead, carry your loved ones into the presence of Jesus, then watch what happens!

* from the eMail Forum of Holy Trinity Church, Los Angeles CA