Many believers—including pastors—say prayer changes us more than it changes circumstances. Prayer transforms us. But it can have real-world effects. Prayer canchange people and circumstances according to God’s will. Not all prayers lead to spectacular results such as George Mueller experienced, but as James wrote, “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results” (James 5:16).

Moses and Daniel, among others in Scripture, found this to be true. After the Israelites worshiped the golden calf while Moses was on the mountain speaking to God, He threatened to destroy the Israelite nation (Exodus 32:5-10). But after Moses pleaded with God, He chose not to do so (James 5:14). In another account, an angel appeared to the prophet Daniel in a vision and said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer” (Daniel 10:12).