Power of Prayer

Prayer – acknowledging and experiencing the presence of God and inviting His presence into our lives and circumstances.  It’s seeking the presence of God and releasing the power of God which gives us the means to overcome any problem(as defined by Stormie O’Martian in The Power of a Praying Parent)

I work in the medical profession and with children, a combination that I love.   In order to stay current with the latest treatment interventions, I frequently read research articles from various medical journals.    Although prayer is controversial as a therapeutic intervention in the medical world, I have witnessed the positive effects from it over and over in the lives of the children I am blessed to work with.  In the past decade, there has even been medical research done regarding prayer and it’s effects.  The findings confirmed what I already know to be true! See below:

David R. Hodge, an assistant professor of social work in the College of Human Services at Arizona State University, conducted a comprehensive analysis of 17 major studies on the effects of intercessory prayer – or prayer that is offered for the benefit of another person – among people with psychological or medical problems. He found a positive effect.

Hodge’s work is featured in the March, 2007, issue of Research on Social Work Practice. It is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious journals in the field of social work.

Just as it is in my career, I believe that prayer is one of the most powerful tools we have at our disposal in parenting our foster or adopted children.  Each one of our children is a precious miracle from God, and we do them a disservice if we don’t intercede for them daily.  

There is no problem or concern that we have that is too big for our God.  This  may include a variety of things such as the various waiting phases or attachment/bonding issues in adoption to difficulty with transitions/ adjustments in the foster care world.  God longs for us to be in relationship with Him and intercessory prayer on behalf of our children can only strengthen this relationship. 

As a parent, we know that it’s impossible to physically be with our children ALL of the time; however, we serve a God that is.   We can continuously come to God on our children’s behalf and take comfort in knowing that He will be watching over them in our absence.  

So, whatever you are facing today with your children, I encourage you to give it over to the Lord in prayer.  I strongly believe that praying for your children is one of the best gifts you could ever give them, and I hope that you will accept this invitation to make prayer a part of your daily lives.  Your children will not regret it!

“Rejoice always,  pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” 

1 Thessalonians 5:16 - 18