In Psalm 27:7, the psalmist wrote, “Hear my voice when I call, LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.”

This biblical prayer, often attributed to David, is one that I pray. And when I pray this prayer, I believe that God will show up for me. I encourage you to pray this prayer too.

I come from a praying family. From an early age, my mother and father encouraged me to exercise my faith, and always trust God to do the impossible. I now pass along those lessons to my own children.

Recently, my parents were in town, and what a delight it was to see them! They moved to Atlanta a little while ago, and I miss them so much. Before this most recent visit, I had not seen my parents since last August, when they came to Buffalo to be at my bedside in the intensive care unit. Though I was weak, exhausted and feeble when they got there, I was overjoyed to see their faces. They interceded, confessed the word of God over me, and spoke life into me. They were also in my hospital room when God worked a miracle for me, and I got up out of my bed by faith and walked.

When they arrived in town for our most recent reunion, it was extra special. We hugged, laughed, shared stories and talked about the goodness of the Lord. I loved that my husband Kenya and I and all our children were able to spend some time with my mom and dad.

As we sat down in the living room chatting, my father, who turned 85 in May, began sharing his own testimony of how God recently gave him relief from his injuries after a hard fall. He was sleeping and dreaming and tumbled out of bed. After that, he experienced some complications with his kidneys. Dad had to be rushed to the hospital by ambulance. Due to coronavirus restrictions, no one could accompany him. He said, even though he didn’t like being alone in the hospital, he knew that God’s presence was with him.

Though things looked bad at first, our entire family kept on praying and believing. And thank God, my dad was discharged, and the only thing doctors found was a highly treatable infection. Today, my dad is thriving and strong. Glory to God!

Before my parents left the house, we all stood in a circle, held hands and prayed together. Dad reminded our family to continue believing God through whatever challenges we face, because the prayer of faith still works!

Before Dad left, he shared one of his favorite Scriptures, James 5:16, a portion of which I’m stirring into your cup of inspiration. It says, “…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

Whatever you are dealing with in this season, I feel led to tell you, God knows and cares, and He will answer your prayers. Whether it be financial challenges, relationship woes, family problems, employment troubles, ministry issues, mental health struggles, grief or loss – whatever – call on the name of Jesus. Place your hope in Him. The prayer of faith still works.

Now, let’s pray.

God, I believe in Your power to heal, deliver, restore, favor, and bless. I am calling upon Your name and asking You to reveal Yourself, and manifest Your power in my situation. No matter what it looks like, I believe and will continue to stand upon Your promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.