The Role of Prayer

When our heart is in pain for some reason,we can find comfort by praying  to Jehovah.  That can take the load off us.  During our supplications, we may be comforted by recalling things said in God's Word. The longest psalm in the Bible is like a  beautiful prayer.  Its composer sang:  "I have remembered your judicial decisions from time indefinite, O Jehovah, and I find comfort for my self." (Psalm 119:52)  In extremely  difficult situations,  especially ones that involve a health crisis, there often is no single, all-encompassing answer. In our own strength, we may  not know exactly where to turn.  Many have found that when all this is humanly  possible was done, turning to God in prayer resulted in great comfort and, at times, in unforeseen solutions. -1 Corinthians 10:13. \

Pat, who was rushed to a hospital emergency room, experienced this comforting effect of prayer. After she recuperated , she said:  "I prayed  to Jehovah and really learned that I had to  leave my life in his hands, trusting him to do whatever was his will.  During all this time, I felt calm; I was experiencing the peace of God mentioned at Philippians 4:6, 7."  How comforting these verses  can be to all of us!  There Paul admonishes us:  "Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that excels  all thought will guard  your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus." 

Next time: The Holy Spirit as Comforter

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000