When someone is in a crisis, burdened with sorrow, afflicted with pain, sickness or injury we often hear others make the statement, “I will keep you in my prayers; that’s the least I can do.” Maybe we need to sit back and reconsider the matter. At times there may not be anything that we can do of a physical nature to help someone, yet this does not mean that prayer is the least that we can do for them.

 

Prayer, as taught in God’s word, is a most powerful tool. The Scriptures teach, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” This passage informs us that this prayer of a righteous man working or operating has much force, strength and power. Thus a good man has great power in prayer. Does that sound like it is the “least” that one can do? In fact, in reality prayer may indeed accomplish more than some physical or material things that can be done for an individual in need. For instance, consider the account of Simon of Samaria. Simon had obeyed the gospel and was a Christian, yet he sinned in that he “thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money” (Acts 8:20). Peter then informed him that prayer was needed that he might be forgiven. There is no amount of money or material things that can help forgive sins. Yet for the child of God like Simon who repents, prayer is a most powerful force.

 

If prayer is the “least” thing we can do for one another, why then is there so much emphasis in scripture on prayer? We are told to pray for the harvest of souls (Matthew 9:38). Prayer is taught as something that is to be continual in our life (Luke 18:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:17). We are to pray for one another in the Lord’s work (2 Thessalonians 3:1; Hebrews 13:18). Jesus, our greatest example, was an individual of prayer. He took time alone to pray (Matthew 14:23). At times Jesus would spend all night in prayer (Luke 6:12). Jesus spent a great deal of time and effort praying for those who would follow Him (John 17:1ff). In His time of great agony just prior to the cross Jesus went out to the mount of Olives and prayed fervently (Luke 22:39ff). Even on the cross when his very life was coming to an end, a time when only the greatest of concerns would be on one’s mind, Jesus prayed for those who were carrying out that wicked deed against Him (Luke 23:34).

 

In light of these few thoughts, could anyone really believe that prayer is the “least” that could be done? A sign along the road recently had the following words, “Prayer should be our first resort, not our last.” Let us be thankful for the power of prayer and make good use of it.