A woman from our congregation is undergoing a twelve hour surgery today. That’s right, I said twelve hours. She was understandably a bit anxious about it, not only for herself but also for her family who have to wait around during the ordeal with nothing to do but pace and count the hours.
As the day approached I asked her if it would be okay with her if I set up a prayer circle. That way she could go into the surgery knowing that for every minute of the day someone was praying for her. Without hesitation she said “Yes”. I sent out emails to those close to her and almost immediately I started getting replies. A couple of people could not due to their commitments for the day but everyone else, despite busy schedules and pressing family issues said, “Sign me up.”
Each participant has been designated for a particular 30 minutes of the day. Some are choosing to pray at home most are coming to the church to pray in our Healing Ministries room where we have photo of the woman and a photo of her family. There is a candle to remind us that “the light shines in the dark and the darkness cannot put it out”. So throughout the day over 20 people will be holding this woman and her family in prayer. Others, who could not commit to a particular time have told me they will be praying throughout the day. I received an email from the patient before she left for the hospital to say how truly blessed she felt by this prayer presence.
There have been times in my life when people have told me they are praying for me. I have never expected a particular outcome or prescribed what I wanted the prayer to result in, but I have always felt supported and encouraged just knowing that prayer was being said on my behalf. Occasionally I have been moved to tears to hear those words, “I will pray for you.” Sometimes we just need that spiritual energy and strength and it is so powerful when it comes from another holding us in prayer.
Have you ever prayed for another when they needed help or support? Has anyone ever told you they are praying for you? How did it feel?
