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By Joseph Perry

How much time are you putting in prayer?

I hear so many people say, If there were ever a time to pray, now is that time. We are living in unprecedented times that have us on the edge, because we don’t know what to expect next. It seems as though anything and everything can happen in each passing day. It has gotten to the point that the numbers of those who have become infected and who have died from the pandemic no longer surprise us. It seems as though we are living in perilous times — times where trouble appears to be lingering in every area of life. It has gotten so bad that we aren’t even sure if our children will be able to attend school. Those of us who are doing ministry and in particular, pastoring churches, are being stretched to lead in innovative ways. I also want to say, while we do ministry, continue to do it safely.

Prayer is needed everywhere. And we need people who are willing to pray, as we see so many people who are losing hope in our nation and in living in this world today.

But no matter how bad things look, no matter how bad it seems, we must keep praying.

In Acts 4:23-31, we find Peter and John had been arrested, they had been reprimanded and later released by the Rulers of Israel for preaching and healing in the name of Jesus. They left and went to their family and friends and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. They all lifted their voice to God on one accord to thank God for their release.

Through the trials and tribulations of this world, we must keep praying until something happens. There should be a coming together. Peter, John and the believers prayed, and the Bible says the prayers of the righteous availeth much. We need to keep praying no matter what.

If your job is on the edge on ending, if your health seems to be on hold from healing, if your marriage seems to be unstable, keep praying. If you are under pressure, and feel as though you’re under the gun, keep praying to the Lord. Partner with a person to help you pray. It may look like nothing is happening when you pray, but something is in fact happening in the atmosphere. Something is happening in the spirit realm. You may think your prayers are just hitting the ceiling. You may think God is not hearing your prayers. But prayer has an unfailing resort. God is always moving on our behalf. God is always working on something for you.

Know that praying can have unusual results. God won’t ever sit down and turn away from you as though He is not concerned. Those who stood up for the sake of Christ were threatened, but they spoke the word of God with boldness. You can’t walk around in fear. You keep praying, because there are unusual results when you pray. God can show up in the last hour. God can do anything, but you have to keep praying.

The Bible says, and the place where they were assembled together was shaken, the power of God moved in each of them. When we pray, powerful things happen. He is able to do exceeding abundantly all that we can ask or think. Something happens in us and around us, ultimately for us, when we call up the One who has all power in His hand. Trust Him to be God in your life.

The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Perry is pastor of St. Mark AME Zion Church. Contact him at josephp134@gmail.com.