Stories that affirm the power of prayer are my favorite stories. The story I want to share with you is old and I have heard it told many times throughout my Christian life. I have it written down somewhere, but could not locate my notes, so please forgive me if I get some of the details wrong. I know the main point is correct.
In the early years of Dallas Theological Seminary, Dr. Harry Ironsides and the board members were in a special prayer meeting about the future of the seminary. They needed a very large sum of money to keep the doors open. There was much discussion on what to do. Dr. Ironsides spoke and said that HIS God was big and HE owned the cattle on a thousand hills. He instructed his secretary that they were not to be disturbed for any reason because they were going into a serious time of prayer. As the men prayed and sought God's will, Dr. Ironsides prayed a simple prayer: God, your word says that you own the cattle on a thousand hills, so could You please sell some of them and send us the money. In a short time, his secretary was knocking at the door repeatedly. Finally Dr. Ironsides came to the door and said "I thought I said we did not want to be interrupted." She said I thought you would want to see this man. This Texas cattle rancher came in and told them he was taking a load of cattle to the market when God impressed upon him to sell them and give the money to the seminary because they needed it. He had a check in his hand and gave it to Dr. Ironsides. It was for the exact amount of money they needed! The seminary was able to pay their bills and as you know, they have kept the doors open since the early 1920's and trained many pastors and church leaders.
I have loved this story all my life because it proves to me that God desires to have us pray in faith Believing He hears us and that He will answer.
James 5:16 says "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective". (NIV)
So, ladies, don't give up, Keep praying!!!
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LINDA DAVIS