Prayer is Powerful

The road was quite rugged. It definitely will be falling apart in a few years from now. Or, maybe it was just the tires on our car. I was probably just nervous. After all, it was the first football game of the season. Two hours away, and it will probably go late. Nothing but grass, trees, and more grass. Dead grass too. Traffic was smooth, not too much business on the road. But, I guess I was wrong. Suddenly, a massive truck cut us off. Control of the steering wheel was lost, and we were pushed off the road. I could tell the car had flipped a few times, but I wasn’t sure if we ended in the ditch a little off of the highway.

I could see many memories. They were happening all over again. From the very first memory I ever had. All of them were good. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad memory now that I try to remember. The latest best memory played. Best one in my life if I had to choose. A song played in church on a Wednesday. I sang it out loudly on my knees, no cares for what people thought around me. I was making a decision that needed to be made. I cried. I was sad for the past things I had done, but was incredibly joyful to be letting them go. I sang louder.

“These chains don’t stand a chance on me.

This rock that I’m standing on, won’t break.

No walls to imprison me, I’m free!

Yeah, these chains don’t stand a chance, on me! On me!”

I couldn’t help but cry out the name of Jesus, and praise him for saving me. I never felt so close to God before. I always said I was as christian, but now, I’m actually going to be a christian. It truly was a beautiful moment; standing before God, with my friends alongside me praising his name. I had good friends. I met them over one unfortunately short week at camp with our church. We all had reasons to praise the Lord, and we weren’t afraid to do so.

The memory ended, and one more played. I was sitting in my room with my arms stretched out to the Lord. This was a typical act for me after I set my eyes on Jesus over the summer. I asked the Lord, “bring safety to my family tonight. Let our first football game of the season be played well. Whatever you have planned, let it happen for good. Let everyone drive smart and carefully on the way. Let what is in your will be done.”

The memory faded away. Soon I was present again. Not in the world though. I wasn’t sure where I was. Then, a man of old age approached me. He stopped and shook my hand. “It is fantastic to meet you Leah! I’ve been waiting, and so has He.” he pointed to a man much greater than everyone. “I am Richard, which means leadership, strength, and independence. Although, you should already know that.” The man left with a smile. He was right, I did seem to know his name beforehand. I felt as if I knew everyone in fact. No one was unfamiliar to me. We must all be family here.

I could see many things happening. Things where I was, and also in other places as well. The other places looked familiar, almost like I had been there before. If I had been, I don’t want to go back. I’ve only been wherever I am now for a short time, but it’s so much greater than I could have ever imagined.

Many people appeared within the last hour or so. It seemed so short, yet like eternity too. I believe I knew the new arrivals as well. Everyone was friendly here. Not like the other places I’ve seen at all.

I was shocked at how many people I’d seen. Yet, it was never too crowded, it was perfect. With all the people I saw, I never did come across my parents. Nor my brother, and sisters. My Nanny and Poppy either. Then, a yellow dog, and a black one came up to me. My grandma Toni, meaning “priceless one”, and my grandpa Ranoldo, meaning “ruler’s counselor”, came to me as well. It was then brought to my attention that I was home. My yellow labrador Bambi was here! She greeted me along with my black labrador Buck. Grandma and Grandpa were a beautiful sight. Their hugs were more welcoming than ever expected.

We all talked and laughed. The dogs brought most of the smiles. Then, a boy came up to us. I did not ever know him, but I must know him by heart. Maybe my parents know him. He was maybe nineteen. Extremely put together, and a bit taller than I was. He had dark brown smooth hair, and emerald green eyes. A large percent of the population had wings, and he was one of them.

“Hello Leah, you can call me Alex, meaning “warrior”. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. Since it’s your first day here you get to speak with a family member still present in the world. You must say hi to your parents for me. Have you done that yet?

I had not heard you could do such a thing. But I surely had to do so. “Nice to meet you Alex! I heard the ones that God brings home at a young age receive wings. Yours are beautiful. Anyway, I have not done that yet. How can I?

“It appears you have not asked out Father. Follow me.”

He did not walk me far. We approached our Father. I felt loved when such a famous, great, and powerful man greeted me. I felt like I mattered.

Alex really wanted my parents to know he said hi. So, he made his way quickly to Him, and asked for me. God gave me permission and I could speak with my parents. They were alone in their room sleeping. I told them that a boy around nineteen said hi, and his name was Alex. I told them he clearly knew them. Nothing happened.

The next day came, and Richard was in a hurry. He came to me with much excitement.

“Your parents! They got your message through a dream! Your older sister Charlotte and your brother Joe, too! It was you!” Then he left. He left me alone, and he left me confused.

God called me later and I met him in a building. This building was the Star Room. Many people were making stars. Each star was handcrafted carefully. All uniquely made. God had a short conversation with me. He said, “Leah, you prayed everyday that your parents’ faith would grow even stronger than it already was. You also prayed even more than ever that your older brother Joe and sister Charlotte would believe in me again. From the very moment that you discovered they turned away from their faith, that’s all you’ve ever prayed. It was you. You believed in me. All it took was one short summer and you had full trust. I’ve been waiting for after that summer to take you home. You prayed that you could help your two older siblings’ faith become alive again, and you did. Last night when your mother, father, brother and sister had their dreams they all woke up and knew. Your parents had stronger faith when they knew that I was holding you, and still holding their baby son Alex. Your siblings met at the park and believed. They believed in me and my work. I am holding their brother, and their sister, and they knew. They cried and rejoiced. They prayed hard, and regretted their past, mocking people when they prayed. Yes, Leah, it was you. You prayed and prayed and finally let go and had faith. That’s all it took, and your family is saved.

Moral: This life-changing moment showcased the power of prayer. My prayers had brought about a transformation in my family’s faith and had ultimately saved them. It was a reminder that prayer is not just a mere act, but a powerful connection to a higher power. It required trust, faith, and surrender. My journey has shown me that by letting go, having faith, and praying with conviction, the impossible becomes possible.