The Prayer of Moody
Dwight Lyman Moody (1837–1899) was one of the greatest evangelists in American history. His fervent passion for God made him a man of power.
One of his church members invited his pastor, Reverend Moody, to a service before building and opening a large brewery. The brewery owner, of course, wanted him to pray for the success of the brewery. After Reverend Moody preached, it was time to offer a blessing for the congregation member. Reverend Moody stepped forward, raised his hands, and began to pray.
“Oh, Lord! We held a service today to prepare for the brewery’s opening tomorrow. I pray to you, Lord, that this brewery will not open tomorrow. If it opens, a tremendous amount of alcohol will be produced. Then countless people will drink this alcohol and become corrupted. They will also become intoxicated and lose their minds. Oh, God! Please touch this owner’s heart tonight and help him prevent this brewery from opening!”
The owner was furious. Many in attendance also looked bewildered. After the service, those who had planned to hold a grand opening party quickly left.
The brewery owner was filled with resentment and anxiety. He regretted inviting Reverend Moody. He couldn’t sleep a wink that night. Then, at dawn, he rose from his seat and prayed quietly. During his prayer, he realized that what he was about to do was against God’s will. With tears in his eyes, he resolved before God not to open the brewery. And he pledged to use the brewery building for good works.
Of course, the brewery’s opening was canceled the next day, and the building later became the school building for Moody Theological Seminary, producing countless men of God.
Pastor Moody’s strength lay in his obedience to God’s will. He possessed a passion that transcended prestige and common sense. Had he been concerned about the prestige of the brewery owner or the people gathered to celebrate the opening, he would never have offered such a prayer.
“Therefore I desire that you pray in every place, lifting up holy hands, without anger or disputing” (1 Timothy 2:8).
From then on, until just before his return to God, Moody went wherever the gospel was needed, wherever God’s word was preached, fulfilling the mission God had entrusted to him. He is no longer in this world, but he lives vividly before God and in the hearts of Christians. The world must see what God can do through those who are completely committed to His will.
Did you pray before leaving home today? Did You Think to Pray?
By Rev. Jaewoong Chang
