DOES PRAYER WORK?

Blog 383

April 6, 2025

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE

Robert Wise explores the world of divine interventions from an objective point of view. An Archbishop in the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches with a Ph.D., Rev. Wise relates his interviews with persons who experienced the touch of God.

DOES PRAYER WORK?

            People often quip “I’m praying for you,” by which they mean “take an aspirin and you’ll feel better.” The idea is a polite way of saying “wish you the best.” However, anyone who follows miraculous events quickly discovers that prayer (Calling on God) is almost always involved in a divine intervention. Way too often we underestimate the power of intercession. It is not a cliché. This becomes particularly true when a large number of people agree and pray about our need.

            Why?

            Think of yourself as a single strand of wire. You would be able to conduct only a small amount of current compared to a large cable. Many, many strands of wire wound together became capable of carrying a powerful surge of power. That’s just basic physics.  Prayer is like that force.

            There’s another way prayer and electricity can be compared. In a sense we don’t know what electricity, lightning, or hydroelectricity actually is. We can tame the force and channel it, but it remains a surge of pure energy. Prayer is much the same. We’re not shouting at God, “Hey pay attention.” We are conveying an unseen and undefined reality that might be called “life.” We are applying the force of restorative stimulation to a need. When we pray, we are sending divine energy through our intercessions. Results follow.

            We have just witnessed in the headlines this happening. As you may know, although I am a Protestant, Pope Francis asked me to be his Apostolic Representative for Christian Unity.  I follow his Holiness closely.

            The world was shaken by the Pope’s illness during these past weeks. The doctors did not think he would survive. Archbishops around the world prepared to return to Rome for a Conclave. It didn’t happen.

            Across the globe and in the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square Piazza crowds of people gathered to pray for his recovery. Many Protestant Churches had special prayer sessions for his well-being. At one point his oxygen saturation dropped to a dangerous low 78. The Pope’s closest aides had tears in their eyes when the doctors asked his personal nurse for permission to proceed with a more aggressive treatment. But prayers had become a cable.

            Dr. Sergio Alfieri said, “It was a miracle he left the hospital.”

            Archbishops cancelled their travels. People rejoiced. Virtually no one expected Pope Francis to recover, but they prayed. The result? A miracle!

             Think what might happen if all kinds of congregations came together to pray with one voice for everything from world peace to the healing of their sick. Their prayers would become a cable of caring conveying life and well-being. Why not give it a try?

            Remember miracles never cease.

Watch my latest YouTube video! More miracles await you!

WATCH THIS, TOO!

82 Days on Okinawa: One American’s Unforgettable Firsthand Account of the Pacific War’s Greatest Battle

Did you discover something miraculous during the past year? I’d be delighted to hear your story. Please write me. Please email me your story at: miracles@miraclesnevercease.com.

Remember to expect the unexpected! And let the miracles begin!

Readers of my MIRACLES NEVER CEASE blog will be fascinated by my latest book:

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE!

ORDER NOW!

THE OPERATION WAS INEVITABLE UNTIL

Blog 380

MARCH 24, 2024

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE!

Rev. Robert L. Wise, Ph.D. explores the world of divine interventions from an objective point of view. An Archbishop in the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches with a Ph.D., Rev. Wise relates his interviews with persons who experienced the touch of God.

THE OPERATION WAS INEVITABLE UNTIL…

            Sure, there are quacks around and charlatans that “fake” the intervention of God. At the same time, gifted believers can provide wonderful results.  The first time I attended a Kathryn Kulman service I had no idea what to expect. By the time I left two and a half hours later, I was overwhelmed. I realized empowered people were endowed with a capacity to bring healing results.

            Patricia Robinson discovered the same by accident. An x-ray on her left knee revealed osteoarthritis. The cartilage had worn away along with bone spurs creating pain. She found it hard to accept this result and went for a second opinion. An Orthopedic surgeon at Orthopedic Consultants in Minneapolis confirmed the earlier diagnosis. Pat needed knee replacement. Surgery was scheduled.

            She dreaded the idea. As Pat studied the preparation book given by the surgeon, Pat also started praying… praying hard. From her study of the Bible, she embraced her heavenly Father as Jehovah Rapha, her healer.

            Someone noticed that a healing crusade was coming to the Target Center in Minneapolis. Other friends from her church were going. Couldn’t hurt anything. Why not?    

            When Pat and her husband arrived, the building was already crowded and they had to sit in the balcony. They argued with the usher that they needed to be down front because of her problem. The usher assured them “when the anointing comes, you’ll get it right in your chair.” They had no choice but to settle in.

            People shared testimonies. The evangelist preached and then interceded for people lined up before him. Pat watched as people were decisively healed.

            Near the end of the service, the evangelist suddenly looked up in the balcony. “Someone up there is scheduled for surgery next week.” He pointed to where Pat was sitting. “Cancel your surgery. You are healed.”

            Pat could hardly believe her ears. Was it her? Seemed to be, but was it too good to be true? By the time they arrived home, she had her answer. She could run up and down the stairs easily and with no pain. She was healed!

            When she called to halt surgery, Pat shared her experience with an amazed doctor.  Now years later, Pat remains healed. The trip to the crusade was everything she needed. She had a miracle.

            The next time such a crusade comes to your town investigate and if the reports hold up, don’t be afraid to attend and reach out. Could be your opportunity to join Pat in praising Jehovah Rapha.   

Remember miracles never cease!

Watch my latest YouTube video! More miracles await you!

WATCH THIS, TOO!

82 Days on Okinawa: One American’s Unforgettable Firsthand Account of the Pacific War’s Greatest Battle

Did you discover something miraculous during the past year? I’d be delighted to hear your story. Please write me. Please email me your story at: miracles@miraclesnevercease.com.

Remember to expect the unexpected! And let the miracles begin!

Readers of my MIRACLES NEVER CEASE blog will be fascinated by my latest book:

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE!

ORDER NOW!

You’ll find another Robert L. Wise’s latest books to be inspiring, too. One of the most significant Christians of the 20th Century, Dietrich Bonhoeffer attempts to stop Adolph Hitler!

ORDER NOW!

DEATH DIDN’T STOP RUTH

Blog 380

March 17, 2025

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE

Rev. Robert L. Wise, Ph.D. explores the world of divine interventions from an objective point of view. An Archbishop in the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches with a Ph.D., Rev. Wise relates his interviews with persons who experienced the touch of God.

DEATH DIDN’T STOP RUTH

            With her bright red-hair and rambunctious style, Ruth Eaton was one of the most delightful persons I’ve ever known. Ruth was always on the go. Visiting a friend in a nursing home, 86 year-old Ruth discovered that many of these “old” people had no one left who knew anything about them or cared for them. She simply couldn’t let this be! The work she began on their behalf never stopped until Ruth died at age 93.

            Ruth Eaton made it her job to find a gift for every lonely person in a nursing home in Oklahoma City. She watched for specials in the newspaper and came up with everything from women’s socks to men’s underwear. Her living room was piled high with boxes and wrapping paper for her “best buys” being prepared for delivery on Christmas Eve.

            Ruth’s only daughter had died at age 44. I had the service for her and knew that the death had nearly killed Ruth. At that time, I couldn’t fully comprehend how the affect lingered for years. Only after the death of my oldest son did I realize how difficult it had been to deal with the death of a child. Ruth didn’t speak of her experience often, but it was always there.

            On this particular Friday, I told my secretary not to let anyone in or any phone calls get through until I had my sermon completed. Thirty minutes later, I could hear Ruth raising a ruckus. “I don’t care what he said!” she yelled at the secretary. “I demand to speak with him NOW!” And in came Ruth.

            She had been sitting on her couch wrapping presents when she began to think about her beloved daughter and wondered where she was today. At the same time, Ruth thought about her mother who had died many decades earlier. The remembrance of these two important and significant persons always remained important to her.

            Ruth abruptly had the strangest feeling. She looked down at the end of the couch and there stood her mother and daughter. Though they had been many years apart in age, they now both looked exactly the same age at about 25. Ruth stared in amazement. Mother and daughter smiled back at her, reflecting their joy at what she was doing. The three of them seemed to communicate telepathically, sharing their love and devotion.

            Ruth swallowed hard and looked away. When she looked again, they were gone. For a long time, Ruth sat there in astonishment, trying to grasp what she had experienced. Whatever else Ruth might have been uncertain about, there was no question in her mind, but that she had been visited by her deceased mother and her daughter.

            That’s when Ruth came to my office.

            What did her encounter mean? Ruth was certain that her view of eternity had been assured. Think about it.

            Remember… miracles never cease.

Did you discover something miraculous during the past year? I’d be delighted to hear your story. Please Watch my latest YouTube video! More miracles await you!

WATCH THIS, TOO!

82 Days on Okinawa: One American’s Unforgettable Firsthand Account of the Pacific War’s Greatest Battle

BUY NOW!

Readers of my MIRACLES NEVER CEASE blog will be fascinated by my book:

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE!

ORDER NOW!

You’ll find another Robert L. Wise’s latest books to be inspiring, too. One of the most significant Christians of the 20th Century, Dietrich Bonhoeffer attempts to stop Adolph Hitler!

ORDER NOW!

MIRACLE AT THE END OF A COUCH

Blog 375

February 2, 2025

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE

Rev. Robert L. Wise, Ph.D. explores the world of divine interventions from an objective point of view. An Archbishop in the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches with a Ph.D., Rev. Wise relates his interviews with persons who experienced the touch of God.

MIRACLE AT THE END OF A COUCH

With her bright red-hair and rambunctious style, elderly Ruth Eaton was one of the most delightful persons I’ve ever known. Ruth had been a member in two churches that I pastored and was always on the go. Visiting a friend in a nursing home, 86 year-old Ruth discovered that many of these “old” people had no one left who cared for them. She simply couldn’t let this be!

            Ruth Eaton made it her job to find a gift for every lonely person in a nursing home in Oklahoma City. She watched for specials in the newspaper and came up with everything from women’s socks to men’s underwear. Her living room was piled high with boxes and wrapping paper for her “best buys” being prepared for delivery on Christmas Eve.

 The work she began on their behalf never stopped until Ruth died at age 93. But her encounter with the miraculous sustained her through all those years.

            Ruth’s only daughter had died at age 44. I had the service for her and knew that the death had nearly killed Ruth. At that time, I couldn’t fully comprehend how the affect lingered for years. Only after the death of my oldest son did I realize how difficult it is to deal with the death of a child. Ruth didn’t speak of her experience often, but it was always there.

            On this particular Friday, I told my secretary not to let anyone in or any phone calls get through until I had my sermon completed. Thirty minutes later, I could hear Ruth raising a ruckus. “I don’t care what he said!” she yelled at the secretary. “I demand to speak with him NOW!” And in came Ruth.

            She had been sitting on her couch wrapping presents when she began to think about her beloved daughter and wondered where she was today. At the same time, Ruth thought about her mother who had died many decades earlier.

            Ruth abruptly had the strangest feeling. She looked down at the end of the couch and there stood her mother and daughter. Though they had been many years apart in age, they both looked exactly the same age at about 25. Ruth stared in amazement. Mother and daughter smiled back at her, reflecting their joy at what she was doing. The three of them seemed to communicate telepathically, sharing their love and devotion.

            Ruth looked away, trying to comprehend. When she turned back, they were gone. For a long time, Ruth sat there in astonishment, trying to grasp what she had experienced. Whatever else Ruth might have been uncertain about, there was no question in her mind, but that she had been visited by her deceased mother and her own daughter.

            Ruth’s view of eternity had been assured. Scripture offers us the same assurance even without her experience. “This is the record that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. (I John 5:11) That’s your opportunity!

            Remember. Miracles never cease.

Watch my latest YouTube video! More miracles await you!

WATCH THIS, TOO!

82 Days on Okinawa: One American’s Unforgettable Firsthand Account of the Pacific War’s Greatest Battle

BUY NOW!

Readers of my MIRACLES NEVER CEASE blog will be fascinated by my book:

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE!

ORDER NOW!

You’ll find another Robert L. Wise’s latest books to be inspiring, too. One of the most significant Christians of the 20th Century, Dietrich Bonhoeffer attempts to stop Adolph Hitler!

ORDER NOW!

I’m On YouTube too!

READY TO DIE? GUESS WHAT?

Blog 374

January 26, 2025

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE

Rev. Robert L. Wise, Ph.D. explores the world of divine interventions from an objective point of view. An Archbishop in the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches with a Ph.D., Rev. Wise relates his interviews with persons who experienced the touch of God.

READY TO DIE? GUESS WHAT?

          The most miraculous conversations always come from people who have had near-death experiences. Over the years, I have talked with many people who had such an encounter. For example, in 1987, Dawn Gillott underwent emergency surgery in an intensive care unit. She suddenly felt herself floating above her body and going down a tunnel into an open field. Sitting on a park bench, she found her grandfather who had died seven years earlier and he inquired about her family. The peace Dawn felt made her want to stay forever, but he insisted she must return for her children’s sake. Before she could complete the conversation, Dawn was back in the I.C.U. in recovery, living in this world.

            How do we understand these reports? Dr. Peter Fenwick, a British neuro-psychiatrist and graduate from the University of Cambridge, spent a life time studying these experiences. He confronted his colleagues who considered near-death events to be symptoms of anoxia, a lack of oxygen to the brain. Dr. Fenwick also challenged academics who considered these encounters as nothing more than hallucinations.

            Dr. Fenwick believed consciousness exists beyond death and studied the matter scientifically. He found 50 percent of those he studied reported traveling down a tunnel while 72 percent saw a brilliant light. In the experiences he investigated, Dr. Fenwick found 40 percent met someone they had previously known. A striking 72 percent reported making a decision to return to life and came back. These similarities cannot be accidental.

            In his book detailing his research, The Truth in the Light, he shares the conclusions he found from over 2,000 letters people sent him.

            Dr. Fenwick concluded, “Once you’ve had this experience, you are changed, whether you like it or not.” His conclusion was that the body dies, but not the individual person. When asked about his own death, the psychiatrist said, “Actually, I’m looking forward to it.”

            The miraculous may be nearer than you think! While much about the near-death experiences remains unknown, we have been given certainty about where eternal life is found. Jesus taught, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” The apostle John wrote, “this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his son. (I John 10:11)  That’s a sure promise!

            Remember. Miracles never cease.

WATCH MY LATEST VIDEO, TOO!

82 Days on Okinawa: One American’s Unforgettable Firsthand Account of the Pacific War’s Greatest Battle

BUY NOW!

Readers of my MIRACLES NEVER CEASE blog will be fascinated by my book:

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE!

ORDER NOW!

You’ll find another Robert L. Wise’s latest books to be inspiring, too. One of the most significant Christians of the 20th Century, Dietrich Bonhoeffer attempts to stop Adolph Hitler!

ORDER NOW!

I’m On YouTube too!

THE MOVIE BONHOFFER IS OUT!

You’ll Want to see it

EVIL PERSISTED UNTIL

Blog EVIL 3

December 22, 2024

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE

Rev. Robert L. Wise, Ph.D. explores the world of divine interventions from an objective point of view. An Archbishop in the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches with a Ph.D., Rev. Wise relates his interviews with persons who experienced the touch of God.

EVIL PERSISTED UNTIL —

            Dubois had been telling us how his life was changed. (anonymity for security sake) A native of Haiti, he had grown up in a culture that practiced Voodoo. As strange as that sounds to American ears, this occult religion included casting curses and the worship of the Devil. Dubois not only embraced these bizarre ideas; he became a witch doctor. As he told his story, he talked out of the side of his mouth leaving the impression that something had happened to his jaw.

             Dubois’ story described what happened when he walked down a narrow mountainous pathway with a staff in hand. Because of his high status in the cult, he expected everyone to step aside. That’s when he ran into and confronted Maria Smith walking directly toward him. (anonymity)

            Eighty-year-old Maria had been a missionary in Haiti for almost all of her adult life. Coming from the United States, Maria was devout and a prayer warrior. She not only knew about the Voodoo occult; Maria battled this evil practice.

            Dubois demanded that she step aside to let him pass because of his status as a Voodoo priest. He was not about to yield to a practitioner of what he considered to be an inferior religion. The woman must yield to him or he would throw her bodily off the path.

            Maria dropped to her knees, folded her hands, and began praying. Dubois was so offended that he drew his staff back to strike her in the head. Maybe kill her. At that moment, he felt something grab the back of his neck, lift him off the ground, and sling him into the bushes.

            Not only was Dubois stunned, he couldn’t imagine anybody having the strength to throw him so far. He glanced sideways and saw a gigantic figure standing there glaring at him.

The figure drew out a large sword and warned, “I am a servant of the Lord and this woman is a faithful servant of the most high God. You will not harm her.” The angel slammed the tip of the handle into Dubois’ jaw. Instantly, the bone snapped. Dubois knew his jaw was broken.

Because of this encounter, Dubois abandoned Voodooism and rejected his evil practices. He turned to the missionary’s God for light to shine into his darkness. Dubois became a Christian. As he told us his story, he had talked out of the side of his mouth because of the angel’s blow to his jaw.

Few of us are so dramatically and visibly confronted by Evil. In our society, the attacks are more subtle, but just as invasive. The assault never stops. Pay Attention!

You don’t need a jaw dropping experience to recognize the importance of resisting and negating the influence of Evil.  In the Christmas season, we often joke about the existence of Santa Claus. The influence and impact of Evil is no jest. Stand your ground and you’ll be able to walk a straight path. Call on the Most High to protect you. You can gain the same victory and overcome!

            Remember: miracles never cease!

WATCH MY LATEST VIDEO, TOO!

82 Days on Okinawa: One American’s Unforgettable Firsthand Account of the Pacific War’s Greatest Battle

BUY NOW!

Readers of my MIRACLES NEVER CEASE blog will be fascinated by my book:

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE!

ORDER NOW!

You’ll find another Robert L. Wise’s latest books to be inspiring, too. One of the most significant Christians of the 20th Century, Dietrich Bonhoeffer attempts to stop Adolph Hitler!

ORDER NOW!

I’m On YouTube too!

You’ll Want to see it

EVIL CONTROLLED UNTIL

Blog EVIL #2

December 15, 2024

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE

Rev. Robert L. Wise, Ph.D. explores the world of divine interventions from an objective point of view. An Archbishop in the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches with a Ph.D., Rev. Wise relates his interviews with persons who experienced the touch of God.

EVIL CONTROLLED UNTIL

In the last blog, we considered combatting evil and the diabolical impact Evil has on people. I suggested that I had run into this problem far more times than other areas I have previously explored. Evil and the expressions of destruction are always at work undermining even good people. Have you ever experienced an almost overwhelming desire for something or someone that you knew was wrong? You couldn’t figure out why you were so bothered? The truth is that you had plenty of help from the dark side.

Let me give you a couple of examples that happened to people who you would never have suspected being defeated.

 A clergyman showed up on the doorstep running from his parish. The problems of managing a congregation full of fighting members while the church’s attendance and finances dwindled became too much. From seemingly out of nowhere, the good man was swallowed by despair. He knew spiritual intervention was necessary.

A second clergyman came with his young wife. She had always been forgiving, but had finally reached her limit. The husband had developed a strange but intimate relationship with much older women in the church. When he finally told her of these relationships during their own romantic time together, she exploded. In turn, the husband became violently furious.

As counselling continued, in both instances the clergymen couldn’t understand why they had been nearly destroyed when they actually were trying to guide and help people in their churches. They both felt “something” had somehow entered their minds and devastatingly infected them. Overwhelming doubt had swamped the men. Neither clergyman had been a bad person, just defeated. They didn’t know how the problem had occurred, but a force seemingly had slipped into the back of their minds.

Evil works like that. The Living Bible warns about “the craze for sex, the ambition to buy everything that appeals, and the pride that comes from wealth and importance.” (I John 2:16) These are some of the backdoors that allow Evil to enter undetected. Each of us have our own backdoors.

Their problem could be called Satanic oppression. How did the men get free? The two clergymen needed to be prayed for by someone who knew how to break the bondage of Evil. It wasn’t that they had slipped, it was that they had been tripped. Out of the shadows, Evil had infected them.

Your answer? Find a pastor, a priest, a clergyperson who understands evil and how to pray to defeat the nefarious. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to such a person regardless of whatever group they belong to. Surrender your problem into the hands of Jesus and you can be set free.

            Struggling? Remember miracles never cease.

WATCH MY LATEST VIDEO, TOO!

82 Days on Okinawa: One American’s Unforgettable Firsthand Account of the Pacific War’s Greatest Battle

BUY NOW!

Readers of my MIRACLES NEVER CEASE blog will be fascinated by my book:

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE!

ORDER NOW!

You’ll find another Robert L. Wise’s latest books to be inspiring, too. One of the most significant Christians of the 20th Century, Dietrich Bonhoeffer attempts to stop Adolph Hitler!

ORDER NOW!

THE MOVIE BONHOFFER IS OUT!

You’ll Want to see it

THEIR BEHAVIOR WAS UNCONTROLLABLE UNTIL

Blog EVIL #1

December 8, 2024

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE

Rev. Robert L. Wise, Ph.D. explores the world of divine interventions from an objective point of view. An Archbishop in the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches with a Ph.D., Rev. Wise relates his interviews with persons who experienced the touch of God.

THEIR BEHAVIOR WAS UNCONTROLLABLE UNTIL

One of the realms we have not considered is combatting evil.  We have not explored the impact that the diabolical has on people. I have run into this problem far more times than most of the other areas I have previously explored. Regardless of whether or not people attribute talk of Evil to superstition or a Halloween movie, the fact of demonic influence is frighteningly real and always present, especially today. As you read this blog, you may recognize a habit, a behavior, or an experience that seems imposed or forced on you. Could that be the influence of Evil? Absolutely.

            Here’s an example.

            Anglican clergyman Christopher Neil-Smith received a call to come to a prison where two Hell’s Angels had realized they knew something was deeply wrong in their lives that they couldn’t control.  Their behavior had been affected by a force they could no longer resist and wanted someone to pray for their release. One man had been sentenced for stabbing a man and the other for holding a gun on his victim. The prisoners desired help because they feared that when they left prison, they might not be able to control themselves and kill someone. Of course, a death sentence could follow. The men explained to Neil-Smith that they had participated in black magic and dedicated themselves to the devil. As they approached the priest asking him to pray for them, they were afraid to enter the chapel because of their involvement with the occult.

            As Neil-Smith began praying, the first man succumbed and became unconscious. Only as he was sprinkled with water, did the prisoner revive.  The second man struggled but stayed on his feet. The clergyman prayed fervently and slowly his sense of being possessed by Evil faded. No longer did the two men want to kill or injury anyone.  Obviously, prayers penetrated their problems.

 Their dread of entering the chapel disappeared and the men wanted a Bible. A Franciscan brother who worked with prisoners produced the scripture. Together they studied Mark 5:1-20, the account of a man released from the control of evil. The two convicts immediately identified with the demoniac. From Mark’s story, the two men recognized they had experienced an identical release from evil. Relieved of feeling captive by Evil, the two prisoners were spiritually free. The power of evil had been broken.

               Should their account ring a bell with you, remember that Evil is strong, but prayer is stronger. Surrendering to the control of the Holy Spirit is your answer. We are not simply the captains of our own destiny. Our life’s journey involves navigating through stormy passages we cannot control. When we ask the Holy Spirit to guide us through troubled waters, the outside force of Evil cannot shipwreck us.

            Struggling? Remember miracles never cease.

WATCH MY LATEST VIDEO, TOO!

82 Days on Okinawa: One American’s Unforgettable Firsthand Account of the Pacific War’s Greatest Battle

BUY NOW!

Readers of my MIRACLES NEVER CEASE blog will be fascinated by my book:

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE!

ORDER NOW!

You’ll find another Robert L. Wise’s latest books to be inspiring, too. One of the most significant Christians of the 20th Century, Dietrich Bonhoeffer attempts to stop Adolph Hitler!

ORDER NOW!

THE MOVIE BONHOFFER IS OUT!

You’ll Want to see it