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Turning the Tide of History
BILLY  GRAHAM

Today the world is being carried on a rushing torrent that is sweeping out of control.  Only one power is available to redeem the course of events, and that is the power of prayer.  Some one once said that " it is probable that nation cannot keep its freedom without the aid of Almighty"

Down through history our nation's leaders have carried their plans and their hopes to God in prayer.  Today our nation has the highest standard of living in the world; and yet we're in danger of leaving God out of our lives.  In our nation, from top to bottom, we need a spiritual awakening, a spiritual renewal, that reaches even to capital of the country.  Unless the leaders of our nations turn to God in prayer, their best plans will fail.

How can we go on unless there is a renewed emphasis on prayer?

 Thousands of people pray only in times of great stress, danger or uncertainty.  It is instinctive for men and women to pray in time of trouble.  Christ instructed His followers " always to pray".

So fervent and so direct were the prayers of Jesus that once when He had finished praying, His followers turned to him and said, " Lord teach us to pray".  They knew that Jesus had been in touch with God, and they wanted to have such an experience.

From one end of the Bible to the other, and throughout history, is the record of those whose prayers have been answered- those who turned the tide of history by prayer; those who fervently prayed, and God answered.

King Hezekiah prayed when his city was threatened by the invading armies of Assyrians, and that entire army was destroyed and his nation was spared for another generation- because the king had prayed.

The Prophet Elijah prayed, and God sent fire from heaven to consume in the presence of God's enemies the offering on the altar that Elijah built.

Jesus prayed at the tomb of Lazarus, and the one who had been dead for four days came forth. 

At Calvary one thief on the cross prayed, and Jesus assured him that he would be with Him in paradise.

The Apostle Paul prayed, and churches were born in Asia Minor and in Europe.

The Apostle Peter prayed, and Dorcas was raised to life to have added years of service for Jesus Christ.

John wesley prayed and revival came to England.

Jonathan Edwards prayed, and revival came to Northampton,  Massachusetts.

Time after time events has been changed because of prayer.  If millions of us would avail ourselves of the privilege of prayer, if we would go to knees in believing prayer, we could change the course of events.

Jesus Christ told us of the joy in heaven when one sinner turns from sin to God, and breathes the simple prayer, " God be merciful to me a sinner."

When the disciples came to Jesus and said, " Lord teach us to pray", the savior answered by giving them His model petition, " The Lord's Prayer." However, it was only part of His sacred instruction.   In scores of passages Jesus Christ offered further guidance and a series of lessons on prevailing prayer.  Jesus had only three years of public ministry, yet He was never too hurried to spend hours in prayer.

How quickly and carelessly, by contrast, we pray.  Snatches of memorized verses are hastily spoken in morning, then we say " good -bye" to God for the rest of the day until we rush through a few closing petitions at night.  This is not the prayer program that Jesus outlined.  Jesus pleaded long and repeatedly.  It is recorded that He spent entire nights in fervent appeal.

But how little perseverance and persistence and pleading we show!  some time ago I read in a news paper about a man in Washington, D.C.  He had spent 17 years securing favorable action on a claim of $ 81,000 against the government.  yet many people today will not pay 17 minutes for the welfare of their own immortal souls or for the salvation of other people.

The scripture says,  " Pray with out ceasing".   This should be the motto of every follower of Jesus Christ.  Never stop praying no matter how dark or how hopeless it may seem.

Our Lord frequently prayed alone, separating Himself from every earthly distraction.  I would urge you to select a place where you can meet alone with God.  That quiet, secluded, soul- to God praying in which you come to the Mercy Seat can be one of your greatest blessings.

As we observe the prayer life of Jesus, we notice the earnestness with which He prayed.  The New Testament records that in Gethse -mane He cried out with aloud voice, that in the intensity of His supplication he fell on the ground of the garden, that He pleaded in agony until His sweat became " as it were great drops of blood".

Too often we use petty petitions, oratorical exercises, the words of others rather than the cries of our inmost being. Too often we go to prayer, our thoughts roam.  We insult God by speaking to Him with our lips while our hearts are far from Him.  If we were talking to a person of prominence, would we let our thoughts wander for one moment?  No then dare we treat the king of kings with less respect?

Among the many lessons that Jesus taught on prayer is one that we should remember especially during these days of prejudice, hate and lust: Jesus teaches us to " pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" He said that we are to pray for our enemies, asking God to lead them to Christ and for His sake to forgive them.

In the first words that Jesus uttered from the cross, He interceded for His crucifiers, saying, "Father forgive them; for they know not what they do".  How many of us have ever spent time praying for our enemies.

We are told to pray for sinners.  I listened to a discussion of religious leaders on how to communicate the Gospel.  Not once did I hear them mention prayer.  And yet I know of scores of churches that win many converts each year by prayer alone.  If there is a person of our acquaintance who needs Christ in his life, then we need to start praying for him.

One more lesson that Jesus teaches is the victorious assurance that God answers every true petition.  Skeptics may question it, deny it or ridicule it.  Yet here is Christ's own promise: " If ye be abide in me, and my words abide in you ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."  We need to trust that promise.  Our possesses everything, and He " shall supply all (our ) need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus".   Let His Holy Spirit help in our prayer life as was promised in Romans 8: 27: " He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God". 

With God nothing is impossible.  No task is too arduous, no problem is too difficult, no burden is too heavy for His love.   The future with its fears and uncertainties is fully revealed to Him.  Turn to Him, and say with job: " He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold."

Do not put your will above God's will.  Do not insist on your way.  Do not dictate to God.  Do not expect an immediate answer in the way, the place and the manner in which you are demanding.  Rather learn the difficult lesson of praying as the son of God Himself prayed. "Not My will, but thine, be done".

Prayer is natural.  We were fashioned in the beginning to live a life of prayer, but sin has built a barrier between us and God.  The scripture says that the only mediator between God and man is Jesus Christ.   You must know Him, and you must pray in His name.  Your prayers must be directed according to the will of God, and the Holy Spirit will help you to do that.

If you do not know how to pray, start now by saying, "God be merciful to me a sinner."   Ask God to forgive all your sin, transform your life and make you a new person.  He can do it now in answer to your prayer.  That simple, direct prayer will open new horizons of spiritual victory for you and add a new dimension to your life.