Prayer – the most practical of all helps

Prayer – the most practical of all helps

The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working (James 5:16).

It’s a common human experience to have loved ones with needs where we are willing to help but unable. Our inability may come from lack of resources or just from being a long way from them.

Being a long way from a beloved needy person is a painful experience. Because they matter to us we want to help them. If we were there we’d be the first in and the last out with whatever practical help was needed: deliver food, clean a house, help pack things away, or to give the gift or time to walk and talk through things.

Speaking personally, I have dear family and friends who are long distances from me within my own country and in other lands. I yearn to help when they have needs.

Distance challenges our ability to give help.

However a praying friend can be a close friend. Distance, like time, is a construct that can be overcome in eternal perspective. Prayer collapses the constructs of time and space.

As we approach the heavenly throne with confidence in the willingness and ability of the One seated there (Heb 4:14-16), we do something intensely and usefully practical for our loved one. Instead of being frustrated by our inability to help, we are channelling our loving concern into seeking help from the most useful helper of all. And of course, it’s good to tell the loved one that we are praying them and what we are praying.

When we think about it, prayer is the most practical help of all. When we help in person we do so within the limits of our wisdom and resources. That’s important, but it can be misplaced help that also falls short of the needs. However, we help through prayer, we seek help from the unlimited wisdom and resources of God. God’s help is never misplaced and his sufficiency never falls short of our loved ones needs.