Archimedes was a Greek mathematician, a physicist, an astronomer; he was an engineer in the second century before Christ. Archimedes was brilliant; his discoveries and theories of engineering influence peoples thinking to this day. One day before his students, he was speaking on the principles of physics. He was describing the lifting power of a lever, and it was he who said, “Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world.” Obviously Archimedes was imagining a very, very big lever and fulcrum; but presumably, even one tiny tap on a cosmic-sized device like that would move the whole planet.
You know I like to think that prayer is like that giant lever. Our smallest little efforts in prayer, in faith, no matter how faint or feeble the intercessions, if we can barely whisper a prayer, that alone can have eternal results that stagger the imagination. Your prayers—even the smallest, weakest little gasps, even when your nouns and verbs are all mixed up and you find yourself praying in a fog—your prayers can move nations and shape the destinies of multiplied thousands.
You know that’s why I often encourage elderly saints who feel as though their usefulness has been lived out and they have nothing more to offer in this world… I remind them that they are in the best position to pray. My friend, Mrs. Sherman, she is 93 years old and lives in an assisted living center, knows that her role in the kingdom is to now pray. I tell the same thing to people with disabilities who feel as though they have no way to serve in church. I remind them that they are a part of God's most powerful prayer warriors. “Friend,” I say, “do not waste your time just sitting around in your wheelchair thinking you have nothing to do. Get to praying! I need those prayers, would you please pray for me?”
Little wonder Psalm 90:12 has us praying to God, “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Wow! So value your days, friend, make the most of every opportunity for doing good because this is the kind of wisdom God wants you to apply to your 24-hour slice of time.
Life is so short and James 4 warns us, “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” No wonder the Bible describes each day as like a thousand years—that’s how priceless and precious they are! Life is fleeting, and of all the things we waste, please let’s not just sit around and do nothing. Those days can be the very platform from which the most powerful prayers can be offered before God's throne. So, friend, please do not worry about getting your words right before God or even in proper order… if you’re feeling faint, if you’re wondering if your usefulness in the kingdom is depleted, hey let me remind you you’re needed… you’re required… you’re being called to the front lines, because your prayers do make a difference…they are a lever, a huge lever on a fulcrum making a difference for all of eternity.
Used by permission of
JONI AND FRIENDS
P.O. Box 3333
Agoura Hills, CA 93176
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