Hillendale Baptist Church, 13135 Hillendale Dr. Woodbridge, Va 22193

Prayer lowers blood pressure helps heal wounds, heart ailments, and headaches, and even influences the action of bacteria and medications. Larry Dossey, chief of staff of Dallas Hospital's Medical City and a battalion surgeon in Vietnam, compiled medical evidence to prove it in his book, Healing Words: The Power of Prayer and the Practice of Medicine. the internist told workshop members at the C.G. Jung Institute, West Los Angeles, that the medical profession has "skirted a gold mine of information" in ignoring the beneficial effects of prayer and meditation on patients ‑although intercession should be a partner with, not a substitute for, drugs and surgery. Effective prayer can take many forms, from specific requests to providential phrases such as "They will be done" or "Let it be," he said . . . .Strong religious beliefs make growing old easier say researchers at Southern California college. They found that the elderly who actively practice their faith tend to be more optimistic and cope with illness better than their non‑religious peers. In a study of senior citizens, with an average age of 73, more than 90% said prayer was important, and God was a source of strength and support in hard times; 84% said their relationship with God helped prevent loneliness. The results were released at a joint meeting of the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion and the Religious Research Association last month in Raleigh, N.C. Lead researcher Shirley Albertson Owens said the findings are another positive correlation between faith and aging, and that medical professionals and religious leaders should not discount the spiritual needs of older people with failing health.

 A pastor recently told us America's trouble isn't a lack of prayer in the public schools, but a lack of prayer in the home. 

He's right. We mistake activism in the streets and public relations proclamations with actually living the life and walking with Jesus Christ. Confusing the gospel with politics is a major mistake. Being politically involved is good, but with two exceptions. The church should not be involved in party politics; and, when ordained ministers get too involved in politics, they denigrate the gospel, and give the impression that God sides with this or that party. The church as an institution, and we ordained ministers, need to realize that the moment we get dragged into party politics, we are tainting the gospel with the flaws of that party, as well as identifying with its strengths.

More Things Are Wrought By Prayer

Who was it that said, "More things are wrought by prayer' than this world dreams of."  Is it a Biblical question? If not, where did it originate and why? 

It was England's famous poet, Alfred Tennyson, who peed them as the final words of his legendary, fictitious King Arthur. The king spoke this to his last remaining knight, Sir Benidene. 

"More things are wrought by prayer than this world

            dreams of,

For what are men better than sheep or goats

That nourish a blind life within the brain,

If knowing God they lift not hands o fprayer

Both for themselves and those who call them friends?' 

A Prayer for the New Year

For the New Year, I would wish to have strength enough to battle with difficulties and overcome them; love enough to move me to be useful and helpful to others; faith enough to make real the things of God; and hope enough to remove all anxious fears concerning the future.

‑Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe