In his own words, a nineteenth century Canadian pastor recalls an amazing answer to prayer:

Some time ago, on a stormy night, I was suddenly impressed to go to the distant house of an aged couple, and there to pray. So imperative was the call, that I harnessed the horse and drove to the spot, fastened the horse to the shed, and entered the house unperceived by a door, which had been left open. There, kneeling down, I poured out my petitions to God, in an audible voice, for the divine protection over the couple; after which I departed and returned home.

Months afterward, I was visiting one of the principle prisons in Canada, and moving among the prisoners, was accosted by one of them, who claimed to know me. I had no recollection of the convict, and was fairly startled when the latter said: “Do you remember going to such a house one night, and offering prayer for the inmates?”

I told him I did, and asked how he came to know anything about it. He said: “I had gone to that house to steal a sum of money, known to be in the possession of the old man. When you drove into the yard, I thought you were he, and intended to kill you while you were hitching your horses. I saw when you spoke to the horse that you were a stranger. I followed you into the house, and heard your prayer. You prayed God to protect the old people from violence of any kind and especially from murder; and if there was any hand uplifted to strike them, that it ought be paralyzed.”

Then the prisoner pointed to his right arm, which hung lifeless by his side, saying: “Do you see that arm?” It was paralyzed on the spot, and I have never moved it since. Of course I left the place without doing any harm, but I am here now for other offenses.”

Such is the power of prayer for those who know God and respond to His leading.

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