Because He has inclined His ear to me,

Therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live. Psalm 116:2 

Does a dogged picketing with prayers of intercession change the mind of God? Is it possible our frail addition joining with the communion of the dedicated souls in the heavenlies turning toward the throne of our gracious God be of any significance? 

To call on the Lord’s treasury demands we have done what we can in our own power and have the utmost trust in His power and authority. The vigor of prayer must not wane with time when not answered according to our deadline.

The Archbishop of Canterbury said, “When I pray, coincidences happen, and when I do not, they don’t.’ 

Do not give up on praying for one another. A soul’s value does not diminish with time if it does not answer God’s call.  When praying for one another, we begin to cherish them as never before. If you want to know the worth of a soul, try saving it.  The one who prays will find the crucible of divine love in the relentless lifting of souls. Swirling affection combines with holy meeting, and it becomes sanctuary. It is a fact that we can pray for others when they cannot pray for themselves. In a sense, we can save ourselves–together. 

Monica, the mother of St. Augustine, never gave up on her wayward son, and he became a great servant of God. St. Augustine turned from his errant ways to a life of holiness, making him a “sign” for everyone.  

Imagine picketing in front of Jesus in your next prayer request. What would your sign look like? 

Pray: 

Heavenly Father, 

From whom comes every good and perfect gift, we call on you mercifully to be favorable to those who turn to you in prayer. We commend to your goodness all those afflicted or distressed in mind, body, or estate (___ name). May it please You to comfort, strengthen, and relieve them, giving them patience under their suffering and utmostly a heart that seeks You. Amen