How May I Pray for You?

I don’t like getting bad news. No one really does, right? If you’ve been given a diagnosis that finds you in a cocoon on your bed, I can relate. Been there, done that several years ago. The first thing I did was call my family and friends to tell them that I was facing tests for a serious medical problem.  

The following weekend, my family gathered around me and did everything they could to cheer me up. My friends called often to remind me that they were praying for me, several of them even prayed over the phone. Church that Sunday found me in a circle with my brothers and sisters in Christ praying for me.

The date of the exploratory surgery came quickly. The day before, I recall feeling God’s presence in a special way. As I lay face down on my bed, the cross of Christ loomed over me in my mind and the hymn “The Old Rugged Cross” resonated in my heart.  I felt ready to face anything as I clung to the cross knowing Jesus will never leave me. And if I left this life, I knew I would exchange my cross of suffering for a crown.

God’s spiritual comfort carried me through the hours awaiting surgery and going under anesthesia. As I awoke, I saw the surgeon’s smiling face near me saying, “There was nothing!” I slid back into unconsciousness and woke up in the recovery room. Nothing?

The tests prior to surgery had revealed a large growth, but when doctors opened me up, they found no abnormality. God healed me! Talk about joy! I laughed, cried, kissed Steve, and called all my friends and loved ones. The Lord had used the prayers of His people to bring a miracle healing. That’s what the doctor called it. That’s what I believe.

Please let me know what you’re facing, and I promise to pray for you. Does every prayer end in healing? Yes, eventually if not immediately for every follower of Christ. I will pray for you knowing that our God hears, cares, and answers prayers. James chapter 5 is an relevant passage to read during times of suffering. Verse 16 reminds us that “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” How may I pray for you?