Thank God for prayer warriors.

March 17, 2012

The past few weeks Gregg has been teaching from the Gospel of Mark. Three or four weeks ago, Jeanne asked me to write a prayer to be read during worship. Its theme was "God is worthy of our obedience." In preparation for my prayer, which eventually became Gary's and my collaboration, I began to read through Mark myself. When I got to the part where Jesus is sitting in a house teaching and the paralytic was lowered through the roof, I started to laugh. Never have I found that passage funny, but this time I saw the humor in it. I mean, can you imagine preaching to a rapt audience and suddenly hearing a commotion above your head, only to realize people were trying to remove the roof? Did Jesus look up and then try to continue His train of thought...or did they all just stop and stare, waiting to see what was getting ready to transpire? The funniest part is the thought of the awkwardness of slowly being lowered in the midst of a bunch of people who do not want ANY interruptions. Can you imagine the looks on their faces?!? And what in the world do you say when your pallet finally stops in front of Jesus' face? "Hi preacher"? "Sorry to jump line"?

Kim had been wondering if we should try and get together our church to pray for me.  Tuesday morning as she began her Beth Moore Bible study of James, she was surprised to see the verse for that day’s study.  “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.  And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”  (James 5:14-16)  Well, after a quick email the prayer service was “on like Donkey Kong” in Kim’s lingo.  It was as if she and Gary had me on that roof, digging, digging, a hole and lowering my lawn chair down to Jesus. 

I had never been to a prayer service, especially one that had anointing of oil and requests for healing. My first reaction was to be uncomfortable being put in the spotlight, which I'm sure the paralytic felt. Then I thought, "Why me? People will think I think I am special." Moving ahead of the line by being lowered through the roof was pretty audacious. I can only imagine what went through that guy's head. But after all those thoughts about me being somewhat embarrassed and uncomfortable, the seriousness of being brought before the Lord by people who love and care about me hit me hard. Did I want and need prayer? Indeed I did! Was there any place I'd rather be than surrounded by my church family with the Lord in our midst, just as He promised He would be? Absolutely not!! Did I then and do I now believe He can heal me if it is His will? No doubt in my mind!!!

As Gary and I drove to Christ Community Church that rainy Wednesday night, I could not carry on and banter with Gary as if it was a usual Wednesday night. As I write this, I don't want to sound dramatic; but, I honestly felt as though I was getting ready to tread on Holy ground - that I was entering into something very sacred - and I was speechless. As we pulled up in front of our church, I saw the precious faces of people I love. I felt so loved and honored as I watched each one file into the entrance. Tears streamed down my face. This was a moment I will never forget. It is etched in my memory forever. Being placed in the center of "my family" was not at all awkward. It was exactly where I wanted and needed to be. As each person stood up, walked over to Gary, Hunter, and me, placed their hands on us, and lifted us up in prayer, I felt an unbelievable peace and comfort. If anyone ever thinks that praying for someone is routine and common, think again. God has used the prayers of His people to accomplish mighty and wonderful things throughout time. It is no exception with me. I am so blessed, comforted, and strengthened by the prayers I have received. That night many prayers were voiced and many I did not hear. Garrett said he and Allie were praying with us at the same time in Atlanta. He said people were praying for me/us all across the country. I have since learned that Clint's church in Scotland has me on their prayer list. What a blessing...a blessing I am SO very thankful for. I think both the paralytic centuries ago and I today learned very quickly - when in a place of great need, God shows us how to take our eyes off ourselves and our insecurities...how to look to Him for our needs and desires. He, in turn, gives us great hope and fathomless love. Although there have been struggles along the way, I have felt His peace that I felt that night continue and increase. Yesterday I spent the day reading Tim Keller's book (King's Cross) which is, by the way, all about Mark. Garrett recommended it as I spend these weeks in Houston - and I see it as an "I spy" (God's working in our lives becoming evident). This house we have been blessed to stay in and the grounds that surround it are so beautiful. I sat under two live oaks surrounded by azaleas from early morning to late afternoon. As I read, prayed, listened to music, and enjoyed the sunlight and gentle breezes, I felt enveloped by the Lord - like Maddox swaddled in his little blue blanket. I told Gary and Kim that I never wanted to lose this feeling of being at peace with God's will. Whether I live or die, I am with Him. I am excited about living life with my family and friends, enjoying the Lord and all He has created and planned for me. I am excited to be with Him in eternity if my life here is coming to an end. It is a deep peace I have never felt before. I pray I never lose it.