. . . we jumped for joy too quickly a few years ago.

A medical study reported that patients who had received prayer, healed more quickly than those who were not prayed for. Upon reading or hearing this news, many of us not only gave praise but we thumped our chest; prayer works and now we can prove it!

Fast forward to a few months ago when a more recent study indicated that those receiving prayer healed no better nor more quickly than those who had not received prayer. "Foul!" we cried; the study must have been flawed. And subsequent reports indicate that it may have been.

The problem is not with the studies but with our need to prove that prayer works. Certainly it would be a blessing to have a definitive study that demonstrates the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. In the case of the earlier study, we later learned the praying that achieved better healing results was not exclusively Christian prayer. Are we prepared to say that all prayer to any god is equally effective? Equally valid? Does prayer "work" no matter to whom it is addressed? Are results the only criteria to be considered?

And, in the long run, is our goal to prove that our praying works or that when we pray in the name and authority of Jesus, the One who hears our prayers is also the One who works?

Though well intended, when we claim "Prayer works!" we are encouraging a formulaic, rabbit's foot kind of mentality. The praying that works, works because we have entered a relationship with the Creator of the universe and have discerned His heart and He has filled our soul with His purposes and passion.

That, it seems to me, is worth jumping for joy!

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