[this article was orginally posted on www.adopt-a-cop.org ]
Prayers are words fitly spoken. Prayers are words which can have dramatic, transformational influence. Influence upon those who listen as well as to the Holy One who the prayer is requested of and who divinely acts.
Prayers come in all styles, shapes and sizes. Prayers of intercession. Prayers for protection. Prayers for change. Prayers for rescue.
Prayers of deep gratitude. Prayers are fitly spoken words to a God most fit to grant merciful favor.
God is good. God hears our prayers, and God acts.
I recently had a ride-a-long with Patrol Officer “Dan”. Officer Dan is a second career civil servant. Officer Dan is a quiet grandfather, as well as the consummate professional police officer. I generally silently pray to myself for protection and influence. Then I patiently wait for a divine moment to strike up spiritual conversations with officers. That night I prayed but an opportunity did not arise.
But the Holy Spirit was there in the patrol car with us. God was there while Officer Dan attended to traffic stops and domestic violence calls. God worked through Officer Dan to show love and respect to others in need. God had heard this chaplain’s silent prayer. Prayers are words fitly spoken. God yearns to hear our prayers and to act upon our sincere and humble requests.
God wants to provide for us as our Jehovah Jireh (Exodus 15:26).
God wants to deliver and protect us as our Lord of Hosts, Jehovah Sabaoth (1 Samuel 1:13).
God wants to sanctify us as our Jehovah M’Kaddesh (Ezekiel 37:28).
God wants to be our Great Shepherd and Guide as our Jehovah Rohi (Psalm 23).
And God truly wants to our best friend as our Jehovah Shamma (Ezekiel 4:1-4; 48:35).
All this is available. And earnest prayer is one powerful way to request and see God act. Use your words well; to others and to God. Pray for yourself, your family, your church and your local police officers.
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Proverbs 25:11).
Chaplain Evans 