Special Prayers

Two weeks out from surgery. All is well as can be expected.

But I have to tell a neat story.

We have friends in Illinois we have visited with rarely since retirement. The lady, Pam, taught in the classroom next to Ronald for years. He and she visit via the phone once every year or so. A few days after my surgery she called. With minimal greetings, Pam said, ‘What’s going on with you guys? I think of you often, but two days ago, I was really impressed to pray for you and Kara Beth.”

Ronald explained my surgery had happened in that very time frame. They both rejoiced at the goodness of God’s leading.

Even as I write, I weep to think how God connects the body of Christ into a caring, cohesive whole. If we listen to the still small voice instructing us to be in special prayer for someone, it is for a reason. Sometimes the reasons are not obvious. Sometimes the needs in the lives of others calls out for corporate intercession.

As I’ve thought on this since the phone conversation, I am thanking God for friends and family who surround me in prayer. I am thankful we don’t have to go through trials without loving backup. This has encouraged me to continue to jot messages to friends and family to bless others in their daily lives.

I am really sure I don’t understand God a lick! Why would God, the great Creator of this world and worlds beyond, want us to pray? I know He has everything under control at all times and leads and guides those who trust in Him.

Though He doesn’t need our prayers for His will to be done, He knows that praying for one another and lifting each others’ needs to Himself, the ultimate, loving and miraculous Provider, draws us closer to Him and to each other. As we think of ourselves as a unique family of God, the Scripture enforces that idea many times. These verses stood out to me.

Ephesians 4:4-6 We are all parts of one body, we have the same Spirit, and we have all been called to the same glorious future. For us there is only one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and we all have the same God and Father who is over us all and in us all, and living through every part of us. 

Verse 12 goes on. Why is it that He gives us these special abilities to do certain things best? It is that God’s people will be equipped to do better work for Him, building up the Church, the body of Christ, to a position of strength and maturity.

Verses 15 and 16. Instead, we will lovingly follow the truth at all times – speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly – and so become more and more in every way like Christ who is the Head of His body, the Church. Under His direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly, and each part in its own special way helps the other parts, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

Thanks to all who have prayed for me in this journey. May I and all who call themselves believers be dedicated to lovingly care for others.

Blessings

Kara Beth