Prayer

The sheer volume of prayers that we have received and experienced in the last two weeks is almost beyond comprehension. Every single prayer has brought us comfort and joy even in this desolate place The peace that came over me last week and that continues in me now can only be the result of your many petitions to God on my behalf. Drew is the same. We both could easily be overwrought with fear and anxiety but we are not. We both are experiencing a calm serenity that I feel can only come from the Holy Spirit.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are abundant for us, so also our consolation is abundant through Christ. If we are being afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation; if we are being consoled, it is for your consolation, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we are also suffering. Our hope for you is unshaken; for we know that as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our consolation.

(2Co 1:3-7 NRSV)

Our consolation is abundant through Christ. . I cannot recall and recount each and every prayer that has been lifted up for us in this, but I would like to share a few.

Mr. Jim Brown, a man that Patty and I really love and admire, on the telephone with me spontaneously went into a wonderful prayer claiming healing and comfort for Patty. This prayer brought the first whisper of comfort into my nearly panicked soul.

Dianne Odom and Robyn Alday, who were at the hospital visiting a relative, gathered me up with the first few family members there that first morning , formed a circle and offered up some very encouraging prayers. There is a great power in a circle of Christians, hand-in-hand calling on our God, praising our God, loving our God.

Both Kirk and Scott have pulled me aside and prayed for me. I love you brothers.

Another wonderful circle with Donna Sue Roberts, Wayne and Becky Worsham, Dr. Homer, Renea Moody, Tondra Rich, and several others offering phenomenal prayers.

Gayle Thomas called me and prayed an awe-inspiring prayer over the phone. Gayle has been praying for my family for many years. I will never forget the day Patty’s mother died, standing in the hallway outside of Patty’s classroom along with some other teachers and Gayle prayed for Patty. Later Gayle read some of her poetry at Linda’s funeral. Thank you, Gayle, for years of prayers.

Slade Alday came by and prayed with us.

Raymond Burke had a conversation with God in our presence. I have known Raymond only casually for many years. I aspire to learn to talk to God the way Raymond does. It was awesome.

Being told of the prayer in the chapel at Friendship UMC where Crystal acted as surrogate for Patty warms my heart and brings tears to my eyes. That prayer took place at the exact same time that the surgeon was inserting a drain tube into Patty’s chest.

An angel prayed with Porky. Patty’s brother John (whom we affectionately call Porky) was in the lobby of the hospital making a phone call when a woman walked up behind him and told him that she felt a need to pray for him. He told her that he was here for his sister and she went into a spontaneous prayer that really moved him. He said that the woman was blonde, ivory skinned, and dressed completely in white. The only jewelry she had looked like white spoon lures. No wings or halos, though.

Josh and Crystal were here about an hour ago. They had everyone here lay hands on Mama, Drew, and me and pray.

We just prayed with a young lady here in the waiting room. This girl’s mother has been here for several days and the girl has been here all alone. Her mother just had some sort of incident and she thought that she was dying. This place is hell even when you are surrounded by friends and family. I could not imagine the thought of being here all alone.

Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.

(Jas 5:13-16 NRSV)