One person’s prayer

May 16, 2006

By Gary Rogers

In my personal prayer time recently there was a special time of intercession for our nation. There was a sincere feeling of grief for where we are spiritually and a burden for our desperate need for change. As I prayed concerning end-time events and asked God to continue to reveal himself openly, I began to pray for the next fulfillment of prophecy.

“Lord,” I prayed, “let the next event pointing to Your return happen soon.” With this came anticipation for the harvest of souls that will be reached with the realization that Jesus is coming back.

In the midst of this wonderful time of prayer a thought flashed through my mind: What good is one person’s prayer?

The Holy Spirit quickly reminded me of one man’s prayer resulting in the deliverance of the people of Judah from defeat by an army mightier than theirs. Second Kings 19 tells the complete story, but in verse 20 God sent word to Hezekiah saying, “That which you have prayed to Me against Sennacherib king of Assyria I have heard” (NKJV).

One man’s prayer brought the salvation and deliverance of Judah. The Lord revealed to me that the prayer of one person is enough.

God hears and answers prayer. You don’t have to pray for two hours. You don’t have to pray in King James English. You don’t have to stream together phrases that sound like a poem or a song.

All you need to do is share with God what is on your heart and mind. Talk to Him like a friend. He cares for you and He wants to hear from you. Please, don’t let any influence ever minimize the prayer of one person!

Gary Rogers is senior pastor of First Assembly of God in Coweta, Okla.