Jesus Christ taught His disciples how to pray. We must learn not only to pray, but also to know whom we are praying to and to have faith when we do. I know this is often easier said than done, but with God, all things are possible. He is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

I remember crying as I watched my mother lying helpless on a hospital bed. It seemed the doctors had done all they could, and hope for her recovery was slim. She noticed my tears and gently told me not to cry, but to pray. I was just about seven years old. My mother was eventually discharged—not because she was fully well, but because the doctors had no further options. She was sent home with some medicines.

Neighbors came to check on her after hearing a scream. My mother had been napping, supported by two pillows, when she suddenly awoke crying. She had experienced a remarkable dream:

She saw herself walking out of a village into a forest along a narrow path. A radiant, immaculate white cloud appeared above her, and in the sky, a very large cross blocked her path. She knelt before it, and the Lord Jesus appeared, placing His hand on her head. Then she returned to the village.

Upon arriving, she saw a male classmate from primary school who asked how she had reached that place and returned. She pointed to the cross, though she was unsure if he saw it. Later, she learned he had fallen seriously ill and eventually passed away. I believe the dream symbolized the realm of the dead.

At that moment, my mother had told me to pray. I barely knew how to pray properly and could only mumble in desperation, yet I knew others were praying for her. Though she attended church, she did not yet personally know God. This event happened over forty-five years ago, and my mother is still living.

There are countless testimonies of the Living Christ, and this is one of them. Though the world has witnessed many miracles, unbelief remains widespread.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).

Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, reminds us that His presence is not merely historical. He appeared to more than five hundred people at one time, many of whom were still alive afterward (1 Corinthians 15:6). His encounters continue today in many forms.

My father, bedridden for over a year and requiring a catheter, often sang, “It is well with my soul,” despite his pain. Many prayers were offered for him, yet the Lord called him home. Christian suffering is a profound mystery. Psalm 73 contrasts the fate of the wicked with the blessedness of those who trust in God. Job was tested by Satan, yet he examined himself and found no reason for his suffering.

We must examine ourselves so that our prayers are not hindered. A clean life does not guarantee healing, but it promotes physical and spiritual health. A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body, while jealousy is like cancer in the bones (Proverbs 14:30). One brother once quoted John 15:7:

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”

When he became sick, I reminded him that these were the words of Jesus, not merely John. Holding onto Jesus’ promises requires faith, and faith grows through a personal relationship with God.

Faith does not guarantee that our requests will happen exactly as we wish, but it pleases God, who knows what is best. He desires our well-being. The Apostle Paul prayed for healing three times, and God responded, “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9). God works all things for our good and chastises those He loves (Hebrews 12:6–7). Understanding His will requires a personal relationship with Him.

God answers prayers in many ways—through doctors, medicine, or miracles. Prayer is the key.

“Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:14–16).

The world faces many afflictions—diseases, addictions, depression, and more. Prayer opens doors, provides divine guidance, and sometimes directs us to the right doctor. Guardian angels continue to minister according to God’s will. Keep praying, no matter the situation.

Prayer is also a weapon against the enemy. Life can be overwhelming, but we have brothers and sisters to pray with us. Put on the armor of God and never surrender to the enemy.

Listening to sermons—whether from your own collection or online resources—can strengthen your faith. Remember: all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

Prayer is the key. Build your relationship with God, trust His will, and keep the mind of Christ. Even if outcomes are not as you hope, give God the glory.