Pastor Jesse Part 6

Monday, June 25, 2012

The Pain and Joy of Prayer

This past week I was able to minister to others with a team from Believers World Outreach at two free clinics. I was challenged and blessed. My brother Jeremiah and I shared the gospel and prayed with all those standing in the queue waiting to be seen by the medical personnel. It was painful and joyful at the same time.

The pain comes with praying for others one by one. To see so many sick, hurting and needy people makes the task seem hopeless. Thoughts of "How can I help these people?" overwhelm you. You see your own inadequacies and can even begin to wonder if God is listening. Am I qualified spiritually to intercede for all these? The answer is "Yes" and "Yes".

"Yes" is the first answer that pops into your mind. God is listening!

The next answer is "Yes" as well. I don't know these folks so how can I seek God's will on their behalf? The solution is simple, find common ground. Begin to relate to them as people and not a ministry. Ask them what hurts, what doesn't feel right, what do they need. Where does their hope lie? As you begin to get answers you now find the strength to pray. These are people who need God's help. So you now approach the throne of grace with confidence. This is not a vague prayer but it is a plea for Loyce and her bad back. It is a plea to our loving God for Beatrice and her dislocated wrist.

The pain of feeling worthless is slowly replaced by joy. The more you talk with God the more you feel His presence. You pray more confidently knowing that God is listening and has chosen you to bring their needs to Him. And you get the peace in your heart that God has you right where He wants you doing just what He wants you to do!

The hospital prayer ministry is more of the same. How do you pray fur a 58 year old woman who was hit by a car losing her left arm, both legs and is in a coma with a drain tube in her skull being treated by her daughter who lost her son in the same accident? All you know is that this wounded family needs Jesus' help, so you pray! By now you are confident that God is listening. Every word, every breath draws you closer to Him who saves and heals. Now the pain is fully turned to joy. The doubts are gone and the Holy Spirit causes us to go beyond words and pray in Him. Not in tongues but in heart with a passion that far exceeds our best verbal prayers. The family receives comfort and so do you.

I have been humbled and blessed this week by praying for others. Take time to pray and you will be blessed too!
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