When We Pray

We must have often heard a question from fellow believers or elders in our family: “How is your prayer life?” Some say that as long as we feel close to God, we do not need to set aside a specific time for prayer. Opinions may differ, but here is what the Bible says: “Pray without ceasing” (I Thessalonians 5:17). Some may say, “That sounds difficult,” but the Bible also says, “Rejoice always.” Prayer and rejoicing go together. Hannah prayed to God, and afterward, she was no longer sad.

Here is a real incident from history involving Mrs. Gracie, whose husband, Colonel Archibald Gracie, was traveling on the Titanic. She stayed at home while her husband traveled on the luxurious ship. That night, Mrs. Gracie felt very uneasy and could not sleep. She fell at the feet of the Lord and prayed for her husband for a long time, from night until dawn.

At that very same time, the great tragedy was unfolding in the vast ocean. After the Titanic struck an iceberg, it began to sink. Colonel Archibald Gracie found himself struggling for his life in the freezing water. Thinking that he might die, he prayed for his wife and daughter. He even prayed that, if he died, his spirit might somehow communicate with them and say goodbye until they met again in heaven.

At the same time, back home in New York, Mrs. Gracie was unable to sleep. She later described feeling as though she was being told, “On your knees and pray.” She immediately obeyed and took her prayer book with her. By chance, it opened to a prayer titled “For Those at Sea.” At that moment, the thought came to her: “Archie is praying for me.” She remained awake for hours, praying while her husband struggled for his life in the middle of the ocean.

Colonel Gracie eventually survived the sinking. After being thrown into the water, he managed to reach an overturned collapsible lifeboat, where he and other survivors spent the night. They even prayed the Lord’s Prayer together while waiting to be rescued.

What a powerful picture of prayer! Mrs. Gracie was praying before she even knew what was happening to her husband. Her husband was also praying while fighting for his life. What a day of relief and joy it must have been when Mrs. Gracie finally learned that her husband had survived.

Hey, friend, pray to overcome the enemy’s tricks. Pray for protection from seen and unseen dangers. Pray and be joyful at all times.

Dear God, we seek You to fill us with the spirit of prayer. May You cover us under Your mighty hand. May You teach us how to pray and how to grow in prayer. May we witness the power of prayer in every day of our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.