Grandmother’s Prayers by the Dairy

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” — James 5:16

Before Amanda’s father could buy his family, something had to change. And it changed because of an old woman who knew how to pray — Amanda’s grandmother.

Grandmother loved God with all her heart. Again and again she asked Him to open a way so her grandchildren could be free. When she had something too big to carry, she would slip out into the bushes and, as Amanda said, simply “tell Jesus” all about it.

One day, a young woman named Miss Celie went to a camp meeting just to watch. But there she heard about Jesus, and she gave Him her heart. Her family did not like it one bit. They tried everything to change her mind.

Then Miss Celie became very ill with a fever. As she lay dying, she gathered her family close and asked them to promise one thing: that they would let Samuel buy his wife and children. Three times she asked, and at last they promised.

Each time Miss Celie spoke, Amanda’s mother ran to tell Grandmother, and each time Grandmother hurried out to thank God. Her long years of praying were being answered.

When you pray for something and the answer does not come right away, do not give up. Amanda’s grandmother prayed for years, and God heard every single word. He hears you, too.

Dear God, thank You that You never grow tired of listening to me. Teach me to keep praying, even when the answer takes a long time. Amen.