Prayer Just Makes You Feel Better

When our country was at war with itself, a preacher from the North went to
visit with the sixteenth President of the United States--Abraham Lincoln.

When the preacher arrived at the White House, it wasn't to make a request,
but rather an observation and to offer a word of encouragement. He said that
we from the North are convinced that God is on our side in this war, and we
will win. Further, he stated that he wanted the President to know that a day
did not pass without every soldier's family constantly remembering their
President in prayer. The preacher wanted his President to know that he and
many others were praying that Lincoln might have wisdom and strength to lead
them to victory.

As the story goes, at this point President Lincoln was in tears and said
that he surely would have given up had it not been for all the prayers.
Further, he said that it was the custom of his people to ask the preacher to
lead a prayer in the presence of the host before leaving the residence. So,
the preacher led a prayer on President Lincoln's behalf.

At the conclusion of the prayer, the President grabbed the hand of the
preacher and said, "I feel better."

The Bible says, when someone uses you, pray (Lk. 6:28).

The Bible says, when you're stressed about how much work there is to do, and
how few workers there are to do it, pray (Lk. 10:2).

The Bible says, when you've sinned and need forgiveness, pray (Act 8:22).

The Bible says, when you're troubled and don't know what to say or how to
say it, just pray (Rm. 8:26).

The Bible says, when you're concerned about one another, pray (1 Thes.
5:23).

The point is, if you want to feel better about a situation, pause and talk
to the Lord about it. Then, let it go and let God work it out.

I hope you're having a great Thursday!

For previous devotionals, visit www.NeilRichey.com.