With a brief history as the capital of Honduras, Amapala is a small village located on Tiger Island. The beautiful landscape is a façade that hides its spiritual darkness. Amapala has only one church for its approximately 25,000 inhabitants. Not surprisingly, witchcraft abounds. Six out of every ten young people are active in homosexuality. Its ghost-town appearance mirrors the absence of a life-giving gospel. In the darkness, however, hope is stirring. A local Christian businessman is preparing to donate land to those who will come and preach the Word.
Hope and prayer usher frail humanity into the throne room of God. Bearing the seed of His Word, prayer is never wasted when we ask according to His will. We know He hears us and that our prayers will be answered (1 John 5:14-15).
Cornelius’ story in Acts 10 reveals the power of prayer in spreading the message of salvation. A man who “prayed regularly to God” (v.2), Cornelius sought the presence of the Lord. From this place of daily surrender, he caught heaven’s attention. His prayers had been “remembered by Him” (v.4 AMPLIFIED). In due time, He and many others received salvation in Christ (vv.44-48).
The Spirit of the Lord draws those who are willing to cry out for the restoration of righteousness, believers who are willing to stand in the gap (Ezekiel 22:30). Wherever prayer goes forth, hope strengthens. As believers, we are called to pray for . . .
- the eyes of men to be opened in understanding salvation through Jesus Christ (Acts 26:18).
- laborers to speak the Word with boldness (Ephesians 6:19-20).
God is intimately concerned about every need in our lives. But remembered prayers come from a heart that beats with His.
More:
• Matthew 9:37-38
• Colossians 4:2-4
• 2 Thessalonians 3:1
Next:
Why is it important
that our prayers line up with the Word? How does praying for the salvation of lost people change us?
annmarie133@hotmail.com on May 8, 2009 at 6:24 am
In reading this article today it shows me that prayer is so important in a cristian’s life but i have made it insignificant.mind you i do read the bible. but the words has not reached to the core of me.Bible reading with prayer is the key for me to be able to grow spritually. God i dont want to be luke warm in my walk i want to be on fire for you in my life. And this is what i am praying for ,desiring, wanting, needing. I dont doubt God to anwers my prayer and believe to recieve my prayer request.
regina franklin on May 23, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Annmarie–I am praying with you. Too often, I have let the enemy push me back from prayer through feelings of discouragement or insignificance. I want my journey from this life into eternity to be one long conversation with God. May you find Him to be faithful as you reach toward Him in faith!