Sir Thomas Browne was a doctor in Norwich, England. Born in 1605, he died in 1682 at the age of 77. Prayer meant a lot to Dr. Browne.
At his death, a journal was discovered among his private papers. One journal entry served as clear evidence of the doctor’s determination to be a man of prayer.
"I have resolved to pray more and pray always, to pray in all places where quietness inviteth, in the house, on the highway and on the street; and to no street or passage in this city that may not witness that I have not forgotten God."
I picture him returning home from a house call late at night. The street is empty, and Dr. Browne brings to the Lord the names of all the patients he attended to that day. There are physical needs, not to mention the spiritual needs. The path that leads him home witnesses a praying man.
"I purpose to take occasion of praying upon the sight of any church which I may pass, that God may be worshiped there in spirit, and that souls may be saved there; to pray daily for my sick patients and for the patients of other physicians; at my entrance into any home to say, ‘May the peace of God abide here’; after hearing a sermon, to pray for a blessing on God's truth, and upon the messenger. …”
Sir Thomas Browne believed in prayer and the God who heard his prayers. So did the band of believers who cried out on behalf of the apostle Peter.
So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God. And on the very night when Herod was about to bring him forward, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains; and guards in front of the door were watching over the prison. And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared, and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter’s side and roused him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And his chains fell off his hands. And the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so (Acts 12:5-8, emphasis added).
Aren’t you glad God gives us such a crystal-clear example of what happens when His children pray? Peter was in a hard spot, fellow believers fervently prayed for him, and an angel of the Lord appeared and set him free.
But wait. I understand when you say that it’s not always that cut and dry. We pray, God hears, and the prisoner is set free.
You’ve been praying for a prodigal for years, and he hasn’t come home, or the husband you love is still an alcoholic even though you’ve cried out to God on his behalf for years. Those are heart-wrenching situations. Yet, I’m convinced that God does respond to each of our prayers. Sometimes He immediately gives us exactly what we ask for. And other times He says no. And many times, He has us wait.
In those seasons of waiting, it’s a matter of trust. It's critical that we ask God to give us the strength to trust Him when He doesn’t answer us immediately. And we must regularly go to the Bible and drink from the well of hope-sustaining promises that God has for us there.
In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God for help; He heard my voice out of His temple, and my cry for help before Him came into His ears (Psalm 18:6).
May those who watch us witness people who have such a high view of God that we regularly run to the throne of our all-wise, all-knowing, all-powerful God. May they see us as people who recognize our helplessness and people who are quick to rush to this merciful God who stands ready to help.
