I had invited my friend and his wife to attend church with me for some time, but they had never shown any interest in coming. For a long time they had been on my prayer list as I asked God to lead them to the church. Many times my friend and I had discussed religion, but church always seemed unimportant to him.

When he had heart surgery, friends took turns to support him and his wife. We showed them a concern that our words could not express. Not long after his surgery, I visited him and mentioned an event that was happening at church the next day. He told me that he and his wife had been thinking about going back to church, and the next day I was happy to see them there. For years now, they have attended regularly and have been faithful volunteers.

I remember that in Gethsemane, Jesus prayed multiple times. And the apostle Paul admonished us to pray without ceasing. When we per- severe in prayer and never give up, but continue to ask in prayer with faith, God will answer.

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, help us to continue praying faithfully, trusting that you will respond. Amen