Julie's prayer

Whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. — John 14:13

In 2008, the Day of Discovery film crew traveled to China on a special assignment — to retrace the life of missionary Eric Lidell, the 1924 Olympic gold medalist whose story was told in the movie Chariots of Fire. The crew took with them Eric’s three daughters, Patricia, Heather, and Maureen — allowing them to revisit some of the places where the two older sisters had lived in China. Also along on the trip was their elderly Aunt Louise.

On one occasion, after the entourage had arrived in Beijing, they had to walk quite a distance with their luggage. As they did, Aunt Louise grew short of breath. Julie Richardson, a Day of Discovery crew member, sat down beside her, put her hand on her knee, and prayed simply, “Dear Jesus, help Aunt Louise to breathe.” Immediately, she began to catch her breath.

Later, Heather retold the story and shared that Julie’s prayer had rekindled her faith. Julie’s simple act of faith reminded Heather of the continual connection we have with Jesus — a reality she had set aside in her life.

Sometimes we need reminders that God is near. When trials come and God seems far away, remember Julie’s prayer and the truth that we are just one prayer from connecting with the God of the universe (John 14:13). — Dave Branon

God answers prayer, it is His sovereign way

To freely give His blessings day by day;

One earnest plea and lo! from heaven’s throne

The answer comes, for God has heard His own. — Anon.

READ: John 14:12-14

God delights in the earnest prayers of His people.

The Bible in one year:

• Song of Solomon 1-3

• Galatians 2