News from the Carolina mountains still continues to reveal Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic damage to homes, lives, and livelihoods, months after the storm. Towns in my home state of Florida have also been decimated.

Most of us can’t be boots on the ground in these places and must donate and pray from afar. But have you ever wondered how much your long-distance prayer can accomplish in the life of another?

Our prayers often seem disconnected or minor in the magnitude of someone’s need. I want to encourage you that there are no frail prayers with an all-powerful God.

Prayer is a mystery, and we won’t fully see how God uses our prayers this side of heaven, but scripture affirms that God hears our prayers and responds to them. In Psalm 18:6, David’s result of prayer is recorded: “But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears” (NLT).

Scripture often models and instructs long-distance prayer. In every biblical letter the apostle Paul authored through the Holy Spirit, he prayed for believers all over the known world. He even prayed for Christians in Rome whom he’d not even met (Romans 1:9–10).

Jesus also modeled long-distance prayer when He prayed for us—people who weren’t even born—before He went to the cross (John 17:20–23).

First Timothy 2:1 tells us to do the same: “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them” (NLT).

I’m thankful for all those who have prayed for me from afar. In the aftermath of my devastating loss when my husband Dan suddenly went to heaven, I tangibly felt their prayers. It’s difficult to describe since prayer is spiritual, not physical, but I had a clear, palpable perception of the prayers of others on my behalf.

I also saw how God used their prayers practically. God gave me words for my children that were not my own as we talked about the tender subject of their father’s early death. I received clear direction from God on scores of decisions I had to make as a widow and single mom. That wisdom was an answer to the prayers of others.

I was also deeply comforted. When a friend serving overseas told me she’d prayed for our family with a room full of missionaries I’d never met, that was a gift of love. Several months later, I felt that same comfort when I met someone new who said they’d prayed for us too.

And I know for certain that I am not the only one who has felt this way.

Prayer connects us as one in the body of Christ, though we live far away. Our long-distance prayers may feel small in the wake of overwhelming loss, but God uses them mightily. So don’t give up, and don’t grow weary. Your long-distance prayer can produce the miracle someone needs today.

Lisa Appelo is a speaker, writer, and Bible teacher who inspires others to deepen their faith in grief and find hope in the hard. Formerly a litigating attorney, her days are now filled with parenting seven children, ministering, writing, speaking, and running enough to justify lots of dark chocolate. Find Lisa’s encouragement for faith, grief, and hope at LisaAppelo.com.