Some questions stop you in your tracks, forcing you to face them, (if not outright answer them) before continuing on in whatever direction you were headed. The question put to me today is such a question – “What are you doing to change the world?” An obvious answer doesn’t present itself at present, forcing me to pause and ponder my purpose here. “What am I doing to change the world?”, I ask myself. Of course, this presupposes that the world needs changing, but that is probably a given at this point.

This world has seen its share of worldchangers over time, that’s for sure. Inventors are world changers. Bell changed the world with the telephone, the Wright brothers with the airplane, Edison with the light bulb, Magellan with his exploratory sailing around the world, Galileo discovering the earth revolves around the sun, (that was a game changer) and whoever invented the wheel was onto something good, which changed the world forever. Scientists, artists, musicians, writers – many have been world changers. Monet’s paintings changed the world, as did Beethoven’s symphonies, Shakespeare’s sonnets and the music of the Beatles. Fleming’s discovery of penicillin changed the world for the better for everyone. From Lincoln to Mother Theresa to Nelson Mandela, to Hitler, (unfortunately not all worldchangers bring about change that is good) our world has had no shortage of those who would change it, whether for better or for worse.

Today we call our worldchangers “influencers” and they are usually rich and famous because of sports or entertainment such as music, movies, TV etc. With the advent of social media, everyone is a star. But are they worldchangers? Which brings me back to the original question which I have been avoiding thus far, “how am I changing the world?” I am not an inventor, nor a scientist, nor an explorer, or composer and so on. My excuse for not having an answer could be that I am neither rich, nor famous, nor in a position of power or influence such as a person in elected or appointed office. I am not a media personality, nor do I have a pod cast or a radio show.

But these sound more like excuses don’t they? If we are taking up space on this planet then each of us is changing the world one day at a time, for better or for worse, by the decisions we make each day and the way we live our lives. We may feel invisible, but our impact is real on the people around us and through the ripple effect, on many more. (I actually wrote about this recently in a previous post – “the power of one”) So, how am I changing the world?

I pray. That’s right. I pray for this world and the people who live in it. Why? I am told to pray and that prayer changes things. I read in 1 Timothy 2:1-4 these words,

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

Then I read in Matthew 5:44, “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”

This world would certainly be a more peaceful place if we prayed for our enemies instead of fighting with them. There is so much hurt in the world, so much healing is needed. 2 Chronicles 7:14 tells me,

“if My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Prayer brings forgiveness, hope and healing – changing the world for the better. Prayer changes me, first and foremost. Then, being changed by prayer (time spent with my Heavenly Father) I am equipped to be the worldchanger God calls me to be. In fact, God calls each one of us to be a worldchanger. I am called to be salt and light. Both salt and light dramatically change the world for the better.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. . . . people light a lamp . . . they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Prayer changes me and prayer changes the world. As a worldchanger I will continue to pray for this world and for the people who live in it. I am told to “pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) That is what I must do to change the world. And I am not alone! I have found others who also want to change the world through prayer. We are Intercessors for Indy – and we are just one of many such groups that we know of faithfully praying God’s forgiveness, healing, peace, presence, hope and joy will be made manifest in this world. I am a wannabe worldchanger – to that end, I will be faithful in prayer –

“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16)

sincerely, Grace Day