I’ve been attending my current church for over six years, but for the first time, last week, I attended my church’s Night of Prayer. This night happens every first Thursday of the month.
I should say that I already attend our monthly morning prayer services on second Saturdays at 8:00am. In addition to that, I’m on a prayer team for those who call in for prayer on Sunday morning. Sometimes, I even stand at the altar with my husband on Sundays to pray for others. But before last Thursday, I had never been to a Night of Prayer.
These days I’m in search of prayer wherever I can find it. I have a need in my life that only God can answer. Someone special to me is fighting for her life and I want to intercede for her as often as I can and with others who believe that God still heals miraculously today as He has in the past.
At the Night of Prayer, I was met in the lobby by a welcoming host who prompted me to write down my prayer request. I had come in for one specific petition, but as I wrote more kept coming. I narrowed it down to a top three. Then I was given a device that would tell me when the prayer associates were ready for me to join them. In the meantime, I was escorted to a waiting area. The lights were soft as was the music. Scripture was cast on a large center screen. The room was mostly empty, but a few people sat quietly inside. As I sat down, I felt like my burdens drifted downward. Before I realized what was happening, I was on my knees on the carpet. When I sat up, I felt supportive hands on my back and shoulder. The hands were gentle, barely there, but seemingly ready support me if I should fail to support myself.
It’s true that there are many ways to pray. For you and me, as I write the is today, the prayer of Solomon comes to mind.
“Lord God of Israel, there is no God in heaven above or on earth below like You, who keep Your covenant and mercy with Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts.” (I Kings 8:23)
He goes on:
38 and when a prayer or plea is made by anyone among your people Israel—being aware of the afflictions of their own hearts, and spreading out their hands toward this temple— 39 then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Forgive and act; deal with everyone according to all they do, since you know their hearts (for you alone know every human heart). I Kings 8:38-39
Eventually I went from being seated in that first room to being seated in front of two people in another room. They confirmed my prayer requests, talked to me, and then prayed. Once they finished, I thanked them and told them I’d be back.
Prayer is simple. What amazes me is the willingness of others to carry my burdens to the Lord with or for me. And the Lord is faithful and just to hear me and answer.
