Trusted Prayer Partners

The first time someone asked if they could pray for me, I was stunned. That had never happened to me before and I didn't know what to say or how to act. I was facing surgery, and that too was new for me. This woman took my hands in hers and began to call upon God for my healing. She prayed for the surgeon also and then she closed with praise to God for all that He was going to do for me.

"And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well." (James 5:15)

To say I was speechless would be understating the facts. If I were honest I would have to admit that her prayers unsettled me a little. They got me to thinking that maybe things were more serious than I thought. But, you know what? On the other side of this situation I can see that she wanted me to be safe and if I wasn't going to be healed, she wanted me to be safely in the Savior's Arms. That was a friend indeed.

Prayers build trust. Trust provides opportunity for prayers to be uttered. Sort of a two-way street. Since that first encounter with someone who prayed, my faith has grown and my trust in prayer and in those who pray is big. Early in my faith walk - before this encounter - I was given a book written by Evelyn Christenson titled, "What Happens When Women Pray." I read that book, cover to cover and was enthralled by the stories of prayer.

God had a plan for me which included this gift, this powerful gift of prayer. I have many stories to

share about prayer and the way God developed it in me. My desire for prayer is the very thing that brought my two prayer partners into my life 12 years ago.

This is a relationship which began with an invitation and evolved over time to be three women caring for one another in many life-changing situations. The trust that has been born from this relationship will last forever. We often share with one another the Hope we have because of Jesus and how our relationship bridges the years and covers the milestones in each of our lives.

James 5:13-16

Caring Testimony to Love

"But a Samaritan...had compassion...he took care of him..." (Luke 10:33,34)

The story of the Good Samaritan is familiar to most of us and the true picture of care. The Samaritan never met this injured man but felt compelled to help him. What a testimony of love for fellow-man.

As we learn about walking around the block with someone who hasn't met Jesus yet, care is one of our focuses. After inviting someone into a relationship which is subtle and genuine, we begin to care about them as people and as friends.

Once we have prayed about this and have asked God to show us who He is preparing for this journey with us, we can begin. For walking around the block is a journey that begins with an invitation and then becomes more personal. We can begin caring for this person, or these people before we officially meet them. Part of sharing our faith is praying for guidance, wisdom, and discernment. And because God is faithful, He will honor our prayers and start working before we do.

I found it helpful to remember who first walked me around the block. How did they invite me into their life? What did my life look like after that? How did they care for me? One woman, instrumental in my faith development, had the gift of encouragement. I was at a point in my life when I did not feel necessary or valid. This woman took the time to teach me that I was important. She went on to let me know in different ways, how she wanted to spend time with me.

At that point in my life, her care was vital. Her loving care changed my world forever. Now, can you put this example into your story? Is there something to be duplicated? If it worked for me and for you, why not for them?

Luke 10:30-37

Marie, the real deal

How many times have we meant to do something; we felt nudged to do it, but for one reason or another, ignored the nudge? I remember one time a woman I knew from church named Marie, reached out to me. She helped me to feel validated and important. 

When she became ill and was hospitalized, I felt God stirring my spirit more than one time to go see her. But, fear stopped me in my tracks. What if she was really sick, dying, what could I possibly say to help?

I let my pride stop me from doing the right thing, the very thing I know she would have done for me. Well, I never got a chance to make that hesitation turn out right because she died in the hospital. I realized she didn't need me to do anything for her, but I also realize I would never have the opportunity to tell her what a difference her kindness meant to me.

She invited me into her life and demanded nothing in return. The relationship she offered me was real and I never felt like I was a project to her. She was one of those people who let God use them every minute of every day.  

In today’s text, Andrew and two disciples see Jesus “passing by”. They ask Jesus where he is staying. Jesus responds with an invitation to "come and see." After spending the day with Him, Andrew goes to tell his brother about finding the Messiah, the Christ. He then brings Simon to meet Jesus. Simon Peter has no idea how his life will change in the days ahead.

I am reminded that Jesus knows who I am! If Jesus hadn't invited these men to come and see, so much could be different.  If Marie hadn't come alongside and encouraged and cared for me, I would be so different.  

Now, it is time I follow Marie’s example. It is time I learn from her, the lesson of inviting and coming alongside someone already in my life – and do it in a very real way. 

John 1:35-42

Invite a Friend to go Fishing

Do you like to fish? When I was a young girl we lived near a lake and in the spring and summer my sister and I would sometimes accompany our father fishing in the evening. I was always excited when we were able to go with him, not because I loved to fish, but because just maybe I would catch something and my father would be proud.

Today we find Peter, James, and John receiving a fishing lesson from the Master. Jesus suggested they go out where it was deeper and let down their nets to catch some fish. Peter explained to Jesus the reality of the fishing business and shared some basic tactics with Him.

“Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” (Luke 5:5)

I used to go fishing to get my father's attention because I wanted to do something he would approve of. Jesus taught His good friends that fishing was going to take on a whole new meaning for them. The analogy of fishing for men was one they didn't understand but would soon embrace with all their hearts.

Now I want to go fishing but taking a different stance. I want to invite one or two people to build a new relationship with and for them to get to know me better. I would love to have a few more people to talk and laugh with; to be real with. Who doesn't need more friends, people to share life's ups and downs and process life with? 

Fishing is fun and who knows how it might change a life.  

Luke 5:1-11

1 Corinthians 15:9-19

Have you ever met someone who said they want to start going to church but must get their life together first?  What they probably meant was they weren't ready to give up their old way of life, weren't ready to surrender to Jesus and the cross.  Isn't that were we all were at one time; isn't that where we all are at different points in our lives?  We need Jesus exactly where we are right now.  Paul wrote:

"For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect." (1 Corinthians 15:9-10a) 

When I decide to join Weight Watches, I don't wait until I have lost 25# before going, just like the person who decides it is time for a recovery group doesn't wait until he has been sober for 6 months to attend that first meeting.  No, the time for support is while in the midst of our hurt and pain.  Jesus is calling us now, when we are at our worst, so He can make us whole.

When you invite that neighbor or co-worker to join you for Easter worship they and tell you they aren't ready; aren't good enough yet, remind them none of us are. "But by the grace of God I am what I am."

Read the scripture for today at Biblegateway by clicking here.