Big Ed went to church and listened to the preacher. When people were invited to come forward for prayer, Big Ed got in line. “What do you want me to pray about?” asked the preacher. “About my hearing,” answered Big Ed. So the preacher promptly put one finger in Big Ed’s ear, lays his hand on his head and prays fervently for Big Ed’s hearing to improve. After several minutes the preacher said, “Amen,” and asked Big Ed, “How’s your hearing?” “I don’t know,” replied Big Ed, “the hearing won’t be until next week at the Floyd County Court House.”

“We’ll hold you in our thoughts and prayers.” Thousands of people have said that to me and I am most grateful. I owe my livelihood to you, but how does prayer work and what are the right words to say? Jesus tried to tell us. We know His teaching as th…