LITTLE ROCK — DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I read an article the other day about a survey someone had done on prayer. It concluded that it didn’t do any good to pray when we’re sick, because people who didn’t pray got well just about as often as people who did pray. What would you say about this?
- F.M.
DEAR F.M.: I didn’t see this particular survey - although I’ve seen other surveys that reached the opposite conclusion. Part of the problem is that not every prayer is genuine, nor is every prayer made inaccordance with God’s will.
More than once I’ve visited someone in the hospital whose case had seemed hopeless, but who was now recovering. The only explanation the doctors could give was that God must have intervened, in answer to the prayers of His people. This doesn’t mean God will answer every prayer the way we wish, but it does mean we ought to pray in times of difficulty and trust God for the outcome.
Why is prayer possible and of great comfort to us? The reason is because God loves us, and He delights in the prayers of His people. If God didn’t love us, prayer would be a futile exercise. But He does love us, and He wants us to bring our burdens and cares to Him.
Don’t be cynical about prayer - and most of all, don’t be cynical about God. Turn to Him and commit your life to Jesus. It’s the most important decision you’ll ever make.
Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C. 28201 or visit the Web site at
MovieStyle, Pages 34 on 10/30/2009
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