Does Prayer Work?

By Linda Hogue

We’ve all seen the slogans on bumper stickers, billboards, t-shirts, and even from the lips of its advocates: “Prayer Works,” or “Prayer Changes Things,” or any number of other catchy phrases designed to get our attention and prompt us toward this spiritual, contemplative lifestyle.

But does it really? I mean, is it really prayer that works?

What I’m wondering is, shouldn’t it make a difference whether we pray to one god or another, or whether we “keep good thoughts” or chant a mantra, or wait for karma to kick in?

I was reading this passage in the Book of John about Mary & Martha’s brother Lazarus who had died. They had gotten word to their friend Jesus while Lazarus was still just ill, asking Him to come take care of things. Jesus decided to tarry awhile and didn’t arrive until four days after his death. Not a big faith builder. Not the kind of thing you’d expect a friend to do.

Jesus intentionally delayed His arrival so there could be an object lesson for them. (And by this time, some Jews from a neighboring city had arrived, too, to console the sisters, so there was an even larger crowd of disappointed people.) Everyone said to Him, “If You’d been here, this would not have happened.”

Jesus talked to them about who He is and asked if they believed it. They did. So, He commanded Lazarus to come out of the tomb, which he did, and Jesus told some of the people standing around to unwrap him and let him go free, which they did. After that, many of the Jews believed in Him and some told the Pharisees, which fueled their resolve to kill Him… which always happened.

So I think about prayer. Was not their prayer, “Lord, please come heal our brother. We know You can do it, and we know You love him”? They were greatly disappointed that He had not done that. Because they knew what Jesus could do, they had expectations about what He should do.

So here’s what I’m thinking: Prayer has got to be about more than putting faith in our words, or in our noble desires, or even in God’s ability to answer. Prayer has got to be about putting our trust in God’s character, His intentions, and His good purposes. It’s never just about His power.

Too often we trust our prayers and not God Himself. He is the one who is faithful and loving. He is the one we can trust.