The prayers of a righteous man (or woman) can bring about change. Nephi had been bound with cords and left unable to steer the ship in the sea. The result of this caused the ship to sail into stormy seas that threatened the lives of the entire company. The brothers were stubborn even amidst the threat of their own lives. (Can I just say how typical this seems to be in the examples of those I know close to me who refuse to let go of their sins?) Eventually, the brothers loosed the cords and Nephi was able to steer the ship to calmer seas. Nephi prayed to God and “the winds did cease, and the storm did cease, and there was a great calm.” Can we as parents and loved ones who have lost their compass hope for a great calm – eventually? I have faith that we can.
In James 5:16 it says, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Fervent means “passionate intensity”.
In my extreme trials, are my prayers intensely passionate? Have I ever been so stricken that my pleas were passionate and intense? Perhaps before I had the courage given me to divorce myself from a horrible existence? Perhaps when I knew I was about to do something so frightening that I knew I could only do it with the Lord’s help. I have really learned that the Lord listens to every plea we express both in words or silent thoughts.
This wasn’t an extreme need, but a desire. When we were first married and Clyde was serving an assignment as veil worker in the Provo Temple, I spent my time in the temple doing endowments so we would finish together. One such night I thought (mostly to myself), “Oh, it would be so nice if Clyde would be the one to take me through the veil.” As I stood waiting for my turn, I watched the workers doing their jobs assigning us to different places. The sister started to take me to one place that had freed up and had a "second thought" to move me to another spot that had just become available. Would you believe it was my eternal companion on the other side of me? That was such a testimony to me that the Lord is listening.
There have been many experiences since then. The most recent was because of our dive trip. I prayed and yes, even pleaded that I would not be the tall pole on this adventure. I prayed that my joints would be “happy” so I could not slow anyone down. We pay a lot for these experiences, and I didn’t want to be a burden. It would be quite truthful to say I felt 15 years younger the entire trip. My stamina was stronger than I’ve experienced in a long time. I felt energized and eager to do what I truthfully was a little nervous to do. The second I entered the water on the first dive, I felt supported and sustained by an unseen presence. I was exhilarated beyond expression! I saw the beauties under the sea and praised my maker for this experience. The entire week was a joy and I was never hesitant to do yet another dive. I know the Lord cares about what’s happening in our lives. This experience was for fun, but it wasn’t my kind of fun. It became fun for me though. Our thoughts and prayers do matter.
I have shared with my son, who is going through an excruciating experience as a surgical resident, the power of prayer and positive thinking. He knows this stuff, but seems to have forgotten that it is for him too. It is very effectual. I could write pages on it, but will spare you. Prayer is one of the biggest tools in our tool chest to help us draw closer to the Lord and to help us through the trials of this life.
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