Matt Price If we turn back to Old Testament times, we have no lack of instances of prayer miracles. The saints of those days were well acquainted with the power of prayer to move God to do great things. Natural laws did not stand in the way of Almighty God when He was appealed to by His praying ones. (Adapted from E.M. Bounds, The Necessity of Prayer)
Any and all providences are special providences, and prayer and this sort of providences work hand in hand. God’s hand is in everything. None are beyond Him nor beneath His notice. Not that God orders everything which comes to pass. Man is still a free agent, but the wisdom of Almighty God comes out when we remember that while man is free, and the devil is abroad in the land, God can superintend and overrule earth’s affairs for the good of man and for His glory, and cause even the wrath of man to praise Him. (Adapted from E.M. Bounds, The Necessity of Prayer)
Uncertainty and fear are the result of turning our eyes away from God during times of crisis. It’s ironic that we often tie ourselves to the very things that weigh us down and further deepen our despair. There is one true source of victory over life’s trials and uncertainties. We only need turn to Him and ask for deliverance.
By faith in the promise of God, we know that we have the petitions we have asked of Him. Faith takes and holds the answer in the promise, as an unseen spiritual possession, rejoices in it, and praises for it. (Adapted from Andrew Murray, With Christ in the School of Prayer)
The king referred in this passage was Artaxerxes who granted Ezra’s request to return to Israel and rebuild the temple. This is an example of how the Lord can use anyone to aid a praying believer, even those who otherwise have no interest in the one true God but whose wealth or influence can be used for a holy cause.
When the records of eternity are read out to an assembled world, then will it appear how much prayer has wrought in this world. Little is now seen of the fruits of prayer compared to all that it has accomplished and is accomplishing. At the judgment day, then will God disclose the things which were brought to pass in this world through the prayers of the saints. Many occurrences which are now taken as a matter of course will then be seen to have happened because of the Lord’s praying ones. (Adapted from E.M. Bound, The Necessity of Prayer)
Although David was a great warrior and king, he knew that all good things come from the hand of God – including victory over the enemies of Israel. David’s life is a model of God’s faithfulness, even during times when our sinful natures separate us from His holy will.