We also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of
this calling. 2 Thessalonians 1:11
Shortly before Margaret Koster died in 1997, I wrote an article about her, telling of her
diligence in prayer. Despite her age, she set an example of faithfulness in
prayercontinuing to spend hours each day speaking with the Lord she loved. Now she's
reaping the rewards of that faithfulness.
But there's another story about Margaret that needs to be tolda story of how
seriously she took her prayer-life. When she was younger, Margaret would pray each day for
missionaries she knew about. She also kept a journal of her prayerscomplete with
answers.
One time when one of "her" missionaries was home from his overseas ministry,
Margaret approached him, showed him her journal, and said, "I have recorded every
prayer request you made as a missionary. And I have put down every answer that I know of.
But I also have some prayers for which I don't know the answers. You need to sit down with
me and tell me how God answered those prayers so I can write them down."
Now that's taking prayer seriously! We learn from Margaret not only the importance of
prayer but also the reality of God's answers. Remember, "If we ask anything according
to His will, He hears us" (1 John 5:14).
-JDB
We must call on the Lord with reverence,
When we go to Him in prayer;
In His time He will send the answers
To show us His love and care.
-Fitzhugh
If we take God seriously we'll be serious about prayer.