Answered Prayer

By Paul Chappell

"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."

Matthew 21:22

While crossing the Atlantic on an ocean liner, the preacher F.B. Meyer was asked to address the first class passengers about "Answered Prayer." Later, an agnostic man was asked by his friends, "What did you think of Dr. Meyer's sermon?" He answered, "I didn't believe a word of it." That afternoon Meyer went to speak to the fourth class passengers. Many of those who had heard him in the morning went to the afternoon service as well. Even the agnostic went to the second service, claiming he just wanted to hear "what the babbler had to say."

On his way to the service, the agnostic put two oranges in his pocket. He passed an elderly woman sitting in her deck chair fast asleep with her hands open. In the spirit of fun, the agnostic put the two oranges in her outstretched palms. After the meeting, he saw the old lady happily eating one of the pieces of fruit. "You seem to be enjoying that orange," he remarked with a smile.

"Yes, sir," she replied, "My Father is very good to me. I have been seasick for days. I was asking God somehow to send me an orange. I suppose I fell asleep while I was praying. When I awoke, I found He had not only sent me one orange but two!"

The agnostic was speechless. Later he was converted to Christ.

How long has it been since God has answered a specific prayer request for you? God desires to meet our needs and show His power by answering our prayers, but so often we forfeit this blessing because we neglect our communication with God. Perhaps your hectic schedule has crowded out your daily prayer time. If so, it's time to make prayer a priority again. Your faith will become stronger and your walk with God closer as you see God answer your personal prayers.

Today's Rooted Principle:

Daily ask God for specific requests to experience the blessings of answered prayers.