Prayer Gives You Peace During Conflict

You have probably heard it a thousand times that prayer is important. Often times, a person only prays to God when he or she needs something or during a crisis. It is good to know that God honors our prayers, regardless of the situation. When we pray during the good times and the bad times, it actually makes life a lot easier.

A person who prays daily is better equipped to go through trials and tribulations in their life. A person who prays sporadically (or doesn’t pray at all) will have a more difficult time coping with their problems.

For example, when my mother was bedridden and dying of cancer, I didn’t have much of a prayer life. I was 19 at the time. I was born and raised in the church but I didn’t have a strong prayer life at the time. I often relied on others to pray for me. When I was told that my mother was no longer going to live, that’s when I began to pray fervently. I was desperate. I stayed up late at night crying out to the Lord. I had never experienced losing a parent. I didn’t know how I was going to go on without her in my life.

I prayed in the morning and I prayed at night. All throughout the day I prayed mini prayers when ever I got a chance. I also had people praying for me which helped a great deal. Although I was going through my crisis, I prayed without ceasing. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 (KJV) it tells us to “Pray without ceasing.”

At around 5:30 am, one cold January morning, I had a dream that my mother was with the Lord and she had a new heavenly body. She looked so healthy and youthful.

When I woke up, I knew immediately that she had gone on to be with the Lord. Then the answering machine came on in my parent’s bedroom. The nurse left a message for my father to come to the hospital immediately. I called out to my father but apparently, he had left to go to the hospital already.

So, I got on my knees and prayed. Then I suddenly felt peace within my heart. I didn't feel the grief and sadness any longer. It escaped from my heart. I felt a sense of happiness that I never felt before. I felt God with me.

I went into the kitchen to make something to eat. As I was cooking, I wondered how I was going to react when her death was officially confirmed by my father. I wondered if the peace and happiness would dissolve. I didn’t want the peace to end.

Finally, when my father pulled into the driveway, my heart leaped. He slowly came inside the house and stood in the living room with tear filled eyes and said, “Mom just past away.”

Then I felt as if God sent his angels to hold me up. I felt as if I was falling back and something was supporting me or preventing me from falling. Then I said calmly, “Yes, I know.”

He looked at me with a bemused expression on his face. How could I possibly know that she passed. The doctor didn’t inform him until he arrived at the hospital. It was the Lord who revealed it to me that morning.

I wasn’t in any kind of shock or denial. Peace hovered over me all throughout the week. I almost felt guilty for feeling joy in my heart. I felt joy because my mom was with Jesus. She was no longer suffering in bed at the hospital.

At night, I was able to sleep like a new born baby. The Lord gave me several comforting dreams that week. I began to read my bible more often and I continued to pray. It was as if I had a new best friend. God became my best friend. He kept me from losing my mind. He comforted my soul during my crisis.

Contrary to popular belief, prayer does work. When you pray without ceasing, God will answer your prayers – even if it is not the answer that you want. He will comfort you and give you peace.

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