It is a fantastic start to a movie. A simple sign indicating the town name, videos segments of various locations in the town, with individuals offering up prayers for one man. They are the prayers of those who know God intimately as well as those who do not. Who they all do know is George Bailey, the man who is in trouble, who needs an intervention by God himself.
This scene, this opening scene of the movie, It’s a Wonderful Life, is actually just a Hollywood depiction of a normal, everyday event. It might seem unique, unreal, but every day, all over the world, people raise up others to God in prayer.
Why do we do this? Does it make a difference? Would God answer the prayers of those who do not know Him?
The why is easy … it is modelled by Jesus and the direction we are given in the Bible,
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2
Does it make a difference? Well, consider these words,
“Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is valuable in every way, because it promises life both for the present and for the future.” 1 Timothy 4:8
Then there is the question of whether or not God would answer the prayers of those who do not know him, personally. Well, if what is being asked is within the will of God, whoever we are, it would seem that God hears the prayers of his will,
“And we have this confidence in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” 1 John 5:14
Not only that, but these words, speak to the heart of anyone who is praying.
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
So, prayer for others. Let the movie of our lives open and close with everyone in town praying for another, in need of intercession.
itsawonderfilledlife 