prayer

DOES PRAYER REALLY WORK?

BLOG 417

January 25, 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.

DOES PRAYER REALLY WORK?

The skeptic is certain prayer is an illusion. The struggler hopes something might happen but he’s not for sure. The informed know how to pray and the Holy Spirit prevails. The difference makes all the difference.

The informed have explored the principles of intercession that can be found in the New Testament. They know that reaching out for the Hand of God is not an act of desperation but a disciplined daily exploration of the principles of living in the continual presence of our heavenly Father. They live with constant awareness of God’s presence and that’s how they pray.

Lert’s apply that insight.

Revs. Eddie and Michelle Mann pastored Christ Church for a number of years as a house church, offering a warm and inviting setting to people in need. Gail Conway (anonymous for personal reasons) had come to worship with a problem. For over two years, she had struggled with a kidney problem that didn’t improve. With time, the difficulties deepened. Gail was faithful in attendance but always knew that her condition could become critical.

A week earlier, her urologist made another examination. When he returned with the results, a frown covered the man’s face. He shook his head and said. “The indicators aren’t good, Gail. Your kidneys are only function at a 6% capacity. I’m afraid we are looking at a continual downhill slide that may quickly become critical. The situation is serious.”

Gail came to church this week with a heavy heart. She fully realized how bleak the future could be. When the prayer time came, Gail went forward for the team to pray for her. The guest preacher Bishop Beth Owen joined Bishop Wayne Booshada and her husband Bishop Michael as they gathered around Gail and anointed her with oil. As the groups prayer unfolded. Beth felt a special urge to pray, not just for the next report to be good, but to intercede for total healing. The service ended and Gail went home.

The next day she went back for the next examination. The doctor came in with an astonished look on his face. Her kidney were now functioning at 96%! She had gone from a disastrous 6% to a normal 90%! Gail’s eyes widened. “Doctor, how did this happen?”

“You’ve had a miracle!” he nearly shouted.

And how did it happen? Someone who lived a disciplined prayer life knew how to pray. Start digging into the Holy Spirit’s promises and realize them by praying for others … and yourself!

Rember: Miracles never cease.

New Podcast: Here’s Life! Do you believe in angels?

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!

ORDER NOW!

You can find I MARCHED WITH PATTON on Amazon.

January 25, 2026 by revwise Categories: Divine Intervention, faith, MiraclesTags: Divine Intervention, faith, healing prayer, Jesus, Miracles, prayer Leave a comment

ANGEL ON TRACK NUMBER NINE

BLOG 416

January 17, 2025

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE

ANGEL ON TRACK NUMBER NINE

Angels have an assignment to help us when our struggles become overwhelming. We don’t think about the fact that a special angel might be paying attention to us. (But they do). Robin Diettrick discovered this fact when she took her three small children and flew to Germany to meet her military husband.

The flight to Germany with small children was a real chore but when the airplane landed Robin knew her husband would be waiting. When she walked out of the terminal’s exit, Robin received a shock. He wasn’t there! Surely, he was on his way. (But he wasn’t) Because she didn’t speak German, Robin started to panic. She couldn’t even work the German telephone.

“May I be of some small assistance,” an unnoticed middle-aged gentleman standing next to her asked. She explained her plight and the fact she didn’t even have a German coin for a phone call. Producing his own money, the man called the military base for Robin.

She quickly discovered her husband had been in an auto accident and was in the base hospital. She had no idea how to catch the train that would take her to military base. Robin started to cry.

“Don’t worry, madam, I will show you how to catch the train for the military base,” the middle-aged man said. This rather ordinary appearing man shuffled Robin off to a taxi and took the family to the train station. Speaking flawless German, he bought the tickets. Robin hurried to catch the train. Ready to collapse, she dropped into the seat.

The helpful man abruptly appeared on the train’s outside window yelling to Robin she had gotten on the wrong line. Her train would be coming next. He helped the family back to the platform to wait for the right train. Once the cars pulled in, the man again helped her on and reassured Robin the conductor on spoke English.

How did he know?
Robin saw him go to the exit to get off the train. She watched but he didn’t step down. He simply walked to the exit door and disappeared. As the train pulled away, Robin began to realize what had occurred with this vanishing man who knew everything she needed to know and even had the right money. He was an angel! Robin Dietrick had been through chaos to safety by an angel!

The Apostle Paul told us to pay attention because angels come when we are unaware. An angel is waiting and working for you. Here’s Robin’s question for you. Are you watching? Paying attention? One of the ways that the hands of God are extended to us is through these angelic friends. Don’t be hesitant to reach out when you’re in need. Turn unaware into awareness.

Remember: Miracles never cease.

New Podcast: Here’s Life! Do you believe in angels?

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!

ORDER NOW!

You can find I MARCHED WITH PATTON on Amazon.

January 19, 2026 by revwise Categories: angels, Divine Intervention, faith, MiraclesTags: angels, Divine Intervention, faith, Miracles, prayer Leave a comment

A VOICE IN THE DARK

Blog 414

January 4, 2026

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE!

A VOICE IN THE DARK

The confetti has been swept away. The final band marched in the New Year’s Day parade and the holidays are behind us. Our faces are turned toward another year that’s about to come barreling in. How shall we prepare ourselves?

I’m reminded of a great man who knew how to encounter the future. When I was in seminary, I met Dr. E. Stanley Jones and even had him pray with me. While that is many decades ago, the memory stuck because of who he was. A medical missionary, Dr. Jones had gone to India in a distant age when that country was struggling. His spiritual sensitivity touched multitudes who he taught to listen and hear God speak. E. Stanley Jones believed people could learn to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit and that would change their lives.

Hear God? Really? Here’s how the fact served him.

E. Stanley was in China when World War II broke out. He knew that if he didn’t get out of there immediately, he might be stuck in that far off country for the rest of the war. Catching the last tramp freighter that left China, he began sailing long and slowly from port to port winding his way back to India.

When the freighter pulled into an obscure dock in Thailand, Dr. Jones remained anxious to get out of that country as well. The war was exploding and he didn’t have time to waste. Standing on the bow of the ship, E. Stanley heard a voice say, “Get off this boat.”

“What?” he chocked.

“Get off the boat,” the inner voice repeated.

He was shocked. The rusty old tanker was his only hope and now the Lord was telling him to get off? Couldn’t believe it. However, he knew to be obedient. The medical doctor had all his goods hauled off the freighter and left on the pier. Dr. Jones watched the ship sail away thinking he was stranded for heaven knows how long..

The ship sailed a half mile into the ocean, was hit by a Japanese torpedo, sank to the bottom of the sea, taking every person on board with them.

When I heard Dr. Jones tell this story, a man held up his hand and asked. “Do you mean you were the only person on that boat that God wanted to save?

“No, sir,” Stanley Jones replied. “I was the only person listening.”

As this new year unfolds, I want to make sure that I am hearing. Placing your ear next to the heart of God will make all the difference in the days head. Our heavenly Father, speaks through many ways. Scripture is possibly the most immediate. Prayer and mediation open the doors. Whatever works best for you, why not make a decision right now to start every day listening.

Remember: Miracles Never Cease!

New Podcast: Here’s Life! Do you believe in angels?

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!

ORDER NOW!

You can find I MARCHED WITH PATTON on Amazon.

January 4, 2026 by revwise Categories: Divine Intervention, faith, MiraclesTags: Divine Intervention, faith, God, Grace, Miracles, prayer Leave a comment

A SURPRISE AT A TRUCK STOP

Blog 413

December 28, 2026

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE!

A SURPRISE AT A TRUCK STOP

Ready or not, 2026 is coming straight at us! Here’s an experience to help you get ready.

Junior Neece had a deep and unique love and concern for the poor. Having grown up under difficult circumstances, he knew how hard poverty can be. In the 70’s even though he could neither read nor write, Junior went off to a southern university to play football. Because he was unusually big and strong, they weren’t worried about something as unimportant as going to class or passing a test. So, Junior rocked along knocking people out of his way on the gridiron.

Rev. Michael Owen knew about Junior’s work with the poor and invited him to speak in a church he was pastoring. The effect was electric as Junior’s message was so powerful and personal that people were moved to be more generous than usual. Mike wondered where this capacity had come from. Junior told him this story.

He stopped at a filling station to fill up for the long trip to Alabama. Junior figured that ought to take him maybe to Memphis, Tennessee. A disheveled old man walked up and ask if he could catch a ride south. At first, Junior was hesitant. Hitchhikers weren’t particularly safe, but something nudged him to give the man a ride.

“Sure,” Junior said. “Get in my pickup.”

As they rode down the highway. The old man began to ask questions. “Did you ever tell your wife and boys about your struggles growing up?”

Junior stared. How could this guy know he was married and had children?

The old man kept pressing. “You’ve had lots of painful experiences, haven’t you?”

Junior could feel his words cutting into him. The man began describing in detail some of Junior’s hardest moments. Tears started running down his face. He coughed and sputtered. This old man had touched the deepest places in his life, places he had tried to avoid. Junior began to feel the love of God shinning into his heart and moving him deeply. His road trip had turned into an epiphany.

Finally, the gas gauge indicated a need to fill up. Wiping the tears from his eyes, he pulled into a gas station and got out. “I’ll be right back,” he told the old man. He hung up the gas pump and got back in the truck. The old man had disappeared.

Long ago, the Apostle Paul told us to pay attention because some of have been visited by angles unaware. Expect them to be around you in 2026. Look for their touch. Such a visit forever changed Junior Neece’s life and it can yours. By the way, Junior learned to read and write through studying the Bible.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I’ll be back in 2026!

New Podcast: Here’s Life! Do you believe in angels?

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!

ORDER NOW!

You can find I MARCHED WITH PATTON on Amazon.

December 28, 2025 by revwise Categories: angels, Divine Intervention, faith, MiraclesTags: angels, Divine Intervention, faith, Jesus, Miracles, prayer Leave a comment

MAGIC OR MIRACLE?

Blog 412

December 21, 2025

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE!

MAGIC OR MIRACLE?

Hey! Christmas is just around the corner. And what are we celebrating?

From what I’ve seen on television since the big Thanksgiving Day parade are about Santa Claus, Mrs. Santa Claus, elves, and flying reindeer. All the commercials proclaim the “magic” of Christmas. The opportunities are everywhere for everything from exotic perfume to unpronounceable names for antibodies that 90% of the population will never need. But! Magic is here at Christmas time. That’s the word. Magic!

“I’m a little confused because I visited the tomb of St. Nicolas (the original Santa Claus) when I was in Bari, Italy a number of years ago. Nicolas was a 4^th-century bishop known for his generosity and miracles. His relics were brought to the Basilica di San Nicol that became a magnificent church. The key word? Miracles.

Here’s an example that demonstrates the difference.

Jack Traynor was injured in the war when sprayed with shrapnel. The assault left his right arm completely paralyzed with the muscles atrophying. In addition, his legs were partially paralyzed. The war left him incapacitated. Moreover, the operation to remove the shrapnel from his head left an inch-wide hole in his skull. His injuries were so serious that the British War Pension Ministry gave him a 100% pension for the rest of his life.

Struggling with these serious problems, Jack Traynor saw no hope except for a trip to Lourdes, France to the shrine where Bernadette encountered the Virgin Mary that resulted in the grotto where people came to wade in the water and receive healing. The stories of marvelous recovery were repeated everywhere. Jack decided to exercise his faith and be released into the pool where so much had happened. Was another miracle still possible? You know the result. Complete restoration followed and Jack Traynor left a whole person.

Not only were his conditions mended, Jack went into the coal and hauling business that required moving 200-pound sacks of coal. Magic? No. A miracle.

In the final days of this joyous season, let us focus on Bethlehem and remember that the Christ child is still making people whole. With the singing of church choirs and the glow of candles, we can still live in the promise.

Just remember: miracles never cease.

New Podcast: Here’s Life! Do you believe in angels?

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!

ORDER NOW!

December 21, 2025 by revwise Categories: angels, Divine Intervention, faith, MiraclesTags: angels, Divine Intervention, faith, God, Grace, healing prayer, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Miracles, prayer Leave a comment

HEALING WATERS STILL FLOW

Blog 411

December 14, 2025

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE!

HEALING WATERS STILL FLOW

One of my first encounters with miracles came from the award winning movie. The Song of Bernadette portraying the story of Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France and her encounter with the Virgin Mary in 1858. The story touched me so deeply that I read Franz Werfel’s novel from which the movie was made. A Jew, Werfel was running from the Nazis and hid in Lourdes. While there, he heard the story that produced the healing grotto.

Today multitudes continue to wade into the waters that have resulted in many, many healings. The famous philosopher Emile Zola came to Lourdes intent on proving the shrine to be a fraud. While he was there, a woman with a terribly disfigured face from Lupus was cured. Zola left saying it could not be only because it could not be. So much for his skepticism!

Dr. Alexis Carrel came with the same intent but had a more open mind. On the same train that brought him was serious ill Marie Bailly. Dr. Carrel feared she wouldn’t get to Lourdes alive. Her lupus disease had greatly distended her stomach. Lying on a stretcher, she looked like a woman in late pregnancy. As they came to the reservoir that contained the healing waters, Maria was dipped into the cold bath.

As her wheelchair rolled out of the pool, Alexi Carrel stood watching her. The woman’s ashen color began to fade and a normal pink returned. The blanket covering her enlarged stomach began to subside. The bulge lowered until she had the flat appearance of a normal woman. Her composure returned. Along with other doctors, Carrel examined her at the Lourdes Medical Bureau. They all had the same conclusion. Mariel Bailey was completely healed.

Dr. Alexis Carrel left the examination room and hurried to the Lourdes Church. Kneeling on the floor, he wept.

Interesting contrast between two men of science. Emile Zola came a skeptic and left a skeptic. Alexis Carrel came open and left inspired.

Perhaps, a parable for today. Disbelievers stay disbelievers. Open, honest inquirers return home whole. Jesus Christ said, “blessed is the one who hears and understands” Matthew 13:16 – my personal translation from the Greek). If you’re struggling today, that’s the challenge. Understand that the healing work continues Be open. Receive the promise.

Remember: miracles never cease.

New Podcast: Here’s Life! Do you believe in angels?

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!

ORDER NOW!

December 14, 2025 by revwise Categories: Divine Intervention, faith, MiraclesTags: Divine Intervention, faith, healing prayer, Holy Spirit, Miracles, prayer Leave a comment

A HOT-WATER BOTTLE AND HOPE

Blog 410

December 7, 2024

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE!

A HOT-WATER BOTTLE AND HOPE

I first met Dr. Helen Roseveare at a Inter-Varsity Conference in the dead of winter. It was cold outside, but she made you feel warm inside. Dr. Roseveare had been one of those marvelous dedicated missionaries from early in the last century who gave up the comforts surrounding them to reach out to countries like Uganda. During the day she was a medical doctor, but at night she worked in a brick factory to be personal and close to the natives. Tender hands needed for surgery were tested by the rough, abrasive surface of bricks. That’s a story unto itself.

Out in the jungle, a native woman died during childbirth leaving behind a premature baby and a grieving two-year old daughter. Without electricity and no incubator as well as few supplies, the baby’s life was in grave danger. The only hot water bottle in the makeshift hospital had burst when filled with hot water to use to warm the baby. They also needed food. Dr. Roseveare asked everyone to pray. The situation was desperate. One faith-filled little girl named Ruth prayed aloud for a hot water bottle.

“Please God send us a hot water bottle,” Ruth prayed in her childish way. “It will be not be any good by tomorrow. The baby will be dead so please send it by this afternoon.”

The prayer did seem presumptuous to Rosevearae and she feared the girl had pushed her petitions too far, but the situation was desperate so she let it go. Dr. Roseveare knew God could do anything up to a point, but wasn’t the girl’s prayer beyond the limits? The prayer made her nervous.

Doing the best they could, the small native staff went back to work. A couple of hours later a car dropped off a twenty-two-pound parcel sent from the doctor’s homeland. She had never received one such package in the four years she lived in Africa. Everyone gathered around this unexpected gift from Ireland. The orphans began opening the box and sorting through the large bundle. Bandages were found for the lepers and even some badly needed food.

Food for them! Little Ruth dug to the bottom of the box and found it! A new hot-water bottle to keep the baby warm! And more! A beautifully dressed doll was waiting for her.

Dr. Roseveare said. “I cried. I had not asked God to send the bottle. I had not believed that He could.” The child did.

But there’s more.

The parcel had been packed five months earlier by Roseveare’s former Sunday School class. The leader had felt prompted to include a hot water bottle (for hot Africa?) and a girl contributed the doll. This package was the only one ever to arrive and it was prayed for by the faith of a child.

God’s miracles are never too late and always on time. What’s needed to experience miracles today? Could it be the simple faith of a child? Trust.

New Podcast: Here’s Life! Do you believe in angels?

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!

ORDER NOW!

December 7, 2025 by revwise Categories: Divine Intervention, faith, MiraclesTags: bible, Divine Intervention, faith, Grace, Jesus, love, Miracles, prayer Leave a comment

WHEN DOUBT FADES

Blog 409

November 30, 2025

MIRACLES NEVER CEASE!

WHEN DOUBT FADES

Doubt is still around. I often run into people who think of faith as a form of neurosis and a way to avoid reality. The pressure of a disintegrating society with threats of war on the horizon send many people into a tailspin. Others just turn the television and don’t listen to the news anymore. Al Watkins (names changed for anonymity sake) can respond to those doubts.

Al’s eight-year-old son Jack was diagnosed with two holes in his heart. This condition also brought pressure on little Jack’s lungs. Surgery had to be done immediately. As the day for the surgery approached, Jack began giving his toys and keepsakes away. He did not believe he would survive. Finally, Jack asked his father, “Am I going to die?”

Taken back, his father assured him that people survive open heart surgery but some don’t.

Jack asked, “Can Jesus heal me?”

“A few days later after anguished prayer and reading Philippians 4:13 (I can do all things through him who strengthens me). Al told his son that whether he recovered or not, he would have the gift of eternal life. A visiting pastor came into the room and asked Jack if he believed Jesus could heal him. Jack said that he did. They prayed together.

The next morning Jack was wheeled into the operating room for a four-hour surgery. However, after the first hour, the doctor came out. He showed Al two sets of x-rays. The first film clearly showed the two-holes. Then, he held up the second picture. No holes.

The doctor shook his head in amazement. “You can count on this as a miracle,” he concluded.

The hospital’s risk manager reviewed the situation. “You can see from the films this was not a misdiagnosis. Somebody somewhere must have been praying.” When their insurance agent called after reviewing the submitted claim, he asked, “What is a spontaneous closure.”

Al replied, “a miracle.”

In a time when doubt is certainly out there, you have an alternative. The answers don’t often come as dramatically as they did for Jack, but they come. Your prayers and trust in divine Providence are the best hope anyone anywhere could have. Hang on. There’s always more to come.

Remember miracles never cease!

New Podcast: Here’s Life! Do you believe in angels?

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!