Does Prayer Work?

Thoughts from CS Lewis

After a lovely novena with lots of support from people all over the world, Amelia’s condition hasn’t changed.

This might lead one to wonder if there’s any point to intercessory prayers at all. Here’s C.S. Lewis’ answer—

It’s worth remembering that prayer is not magic. We’re speaking to a person,¹ not rubbing a lamp. God has agency, and allows us limited agency, as well.

So, don’t be discouraged. Please continue praying for Amelia’s recovery, and for the conversion of the hearts of everyone who hears about that miracle.

From the video description:

In a Christian society, monks were putting too much emphasis on prayer, and neglecting practical duties in the monastery (perhaps to avoid physical work also). The new maxim “Work IS prayer” emphasized that doing the physical duties God has called you to were important also – cooking, cleaning, gardening & teaching were holy tasks as well as prayer. C.S. Lewis reverses the meaning. In an atheistic society that has no value for spiritual things or patient faith, 'work' (especially cunning attempts to control and manipulate events) is supreme & in such a society, prayer loses its shine. So Lewis takes this other meaning, and says “Prayer IS work” also (prayer is a powerful form of causality). Prayer can change and affect events - just like work – & can be far more dramatic, because it is unlimited by time, space & amount of effort invested.

1. Three persons in one.