I have a most unusual story about prayer to tell you today…
Hi, I'm Joni Eareckson Tada and I remember we were in the Baltimore-Washington airport waiting for our flight. It was late and all the seats in the waiting area were full. Rather than sit, my friends Judy and Bunny stood beside me to pray — that is something we often do before flying. Besides, Bunny knew I needed a prayer lift. She knew I was pretty down over a number of things, including the news that morning that we had not received, from a certain foundation, the needed funds that were supposed to go to an important project to help the disabled.
Bunny read the sadness in my eyes, reached for our hands and prayed in a light whisper, “Lord Jesus, send forth the corn and the wine and the oil. Send forth the early rains... the late rains... and produce a wonderful crop of blessings...” Her voice was soft yet strong. I recognized in her prayer the strains of Joel 2 where it says, “The Lord will reply to them: 'I am sending you grain, new wine and oil, enough to satisfy you fully...’”
Just as Bunny was repeating the part about corn, oil and wine, I felt someone walk up in our huddle. I squinted and smiled at a woman who had edged between Judy and me. Her husband crowded close and, together, they punctuated my friend’s prayer with “Amens.” I assumed they had recognized me in my wheelchair.
When we finished, we hardly had time to exchange names. In the rush to catch their flight, I gave them a hug and a Joni book I happened to have with me. While the woman picked up her bags, her husband folded a $100 bill into Bunny’s hand. Then they had to rush away. Bunny waved them goodbye with the $100 bill like it was a flag of victory and announced, “Yea, even while I was speaking in prayer, the angel came with the answer!”
And you know what… she was right. And it didn’t surprise me. When Bunny prays, things happen. “Joni,” she instructed as she tucked the bill in my coat pocket, “This is the first fruits of what God will supply!” I’ve learned, through years of interceding with her, that her prayers really do have power with God. I’m convinced it’s because she has learned to pray in the language of the Father. Bunny even answers using God’s words: Her “yea even while I was speaking in prayer” was a direct quote from Daniel 9:21!
I have learned to follow Bunny’s lead and salt-and-pepper my prayers with the Word of God. It’s a way of using God’s language when we talk to him. (I’ve often teased Bunny that I hear God’s accent when she prays). If praying “in the name of Jesus” comes as naturally as breathing, friend we need to pray “in the Word” just as naturally. The Bible underscores that there are two things that God honors above all else: His name and His Word. Prayer that is spiced with his Word is prayer exalted.
And don’t forget, seeing that we are on the subject of God’s Word, today is your last day to ask for this wonderful hardback children’s book called “My ABC Bible Verses.” It’s all about helping the children in your life memorize the Word of God. Its full color and each page there is a brief story that describes how a child might use a Bible verse he memorizes… use it in a situation at school or on the playground or at home or how about when he prays! This lovely book is a treasure, so go online today at joniandfriends.org and ask for your copy of “My ABC Bible Verses.” And who knows? As you read it to your child or grandchild, you might end up memorizing these verses and, like Bunny, using them in your prayers, too.
© Joni and Friends
Compliments of Joni and Friends
PO Box 3333 Agoura Hills, CA 91376