“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16).

Maggie loved the Lord. Every afternoon she would pull out her prayer journal and spend time praying for missionaries, church families, her own family, and many people whose names she collected over the years to bring them before the Lord. One of the names on her prayer list was that of her neighbor, Martha. Maggie and Martha lived next to each other for almost 20 years. There was seldom a day that went by but what Maggie brought Martha before the Lord. One day as Maggie was praying, she said to the Lord, “Father, I don’t know what else to ask. I have asked for opportunities to share the gospel with Martha. I have sent cards to her, shared with her, witnessed to her to the point where I was fearful she may not talk with me again, and yet she still has not asked Jesus to be her Savior. What is it going to take, Lord, to get through to that dear neighbor of mine?” Just then the phone rang. It startled Maggie to hear Martha’s voice. “Maggie, I’ve been thinking. I don’t know where I’m going to go after I die. May I come over and talk with you?” Needless to say, Maggie was thrilled that she hadn’t given up praying for her dear neighbor. What are you praying about, and for whom are you praying? Don’t give up!

For today: Keep praying and be watching for the ways the Lord will bring opportunities to you!