Prayer

Many years ago, my husband and I were asked to conduct a workshop on the occult for a statewide youth gathering. As we prepared for the weekend event we elicited prayer, knowing full well that a prayer covering was much needed for such activity.
Prayer covering…
Hedge of protection…
Prayer partners and prayer warriors…
Such terms mean little to the no Christian I suppose. Perhaps even some Christians are unsure of exactly what such expressions mean. Yet some of us take the concepts so much for granted that they actually become mundane and loose their power.
Concerning that workshop so many years ago. Our prayer partners knew the dates and times of the presentations (we did 4 to accommodate the hundreds of youth that attended the event) And each workshop was well attended and well received. What I remember most, and the reason I bring this up now, is that when the last session was done, within minutes, we both felt a very real “let down”, a sense of oppression and stress that took us by surprise. The prayers that had carried us through the event had ceased and we could actually, physically feel it. The enemy had been waiting, like foxes looking for cracks in the wall, so that they could get into the vineyard and nip at our heels.
I can recall a time, when I was teaching at a Christian School in NY, one of my student’s mother came up to me one morning, obviously distressed. “Are you alright?” she asked me with great concern. I was fine. She explained that she had woken up the night before with an overwhelming urge to pray for me and my family, which she did…for hours. I assured me I was fine, my family was in no crisis and she seemed disappointed. As if she had prayed and lost all that sleep for nothing. I reassured her by saying that we may never know what sort of crisis or emergency, or spiritual attack her prayers may have averted. And to never resist the urge to pray for someone, whenever, however it comes.
Prayer.
So many people lifted me up in prayer over the past few months. Like the paralytic on the mat, being lifted to the roof top and lowered into the presence of the LORD.
I am humbled.
What did that paralytic think? He basically just went along for the ride. And I’m sure it wasn’t a very comfortable ride. How aware was he of where he was being taken? Was he anxious or simply resigned?
From the first hint of a possible problem in January, through the test, to the diagnosis, to the ride into surgery, I was resigned and at peace. The word Cancer did not really scare me, only the concept of a long fight and loosing my hair gave me a bit of anxiety, but impending death didn’t bother me at all. Asking for healing didn’t even cross my mind. But apparently it did cross the minds of many friends and relatives who put me on prayer chains and lifted me up to our LORD. A hedge of protection. Peace that passes understanding. Healing graces. Mercy.
I am humbled.
I’ve been healed. And I don’t know why. There seems to be so many other people more needy, more worthy. I’m thinking of baby Emilio, on life support. Of all the crying, praying mothers. And perhaps because the crisis is over, and the prayers have turned to others needing urgent prayer, I feel the enemy nipping at my heels. Reminding me that I am unworthy. Making me feel that my life is pointless, I’m old and tired and ineffective in ministry. Showing me my failures, as a mother and wife and teacher. I’m still healing. I think this event will force me to get into better shape physically, life with one kidney means paying special attention to ones diet. I also think this event will cause me to be more diligent in my personal prayer life. But the foxes have gotten into the vineyard, and I’m not moving very fast these days. Perhaps, those of you who care and feel so led, could say one or two more little prayers for little old me. Just a little prayer booster. And God bless us, everyone!