The other day while waiting for my wife to come out of surgery at Centennial Hospital, I took a break from the book I was reading, Michael Perry’s “Coop”. It’s the third in a series of books he’s written (which I’ve recently finished.) He’s an amazing writer, and I would recommend reading Population 485, Truck – A Love Story, and then, Coop. However, I’m warning you… Coop will make the slickest of the city slickers want to own chickens.
So, as I sat there and drank small quantities of warm coffee from a little styrofoam cup, I heard two women talking. Well, actually one of them was talking… fast. She was consoling the other woman, and she started to pray.
Sometimes I hear prayer out loud, and it sounds more like suggestions and judgment, disguised as prayer “Oh Lord, help my husband stop talking back to me Lord, because we know you don’t like that and you will send down your wrath on him Lord… sometimes through me Lord, cause you say in your book, “Hell hath no fury like a wom… “ Or this one… “Help my son pick up his room Lord, or he won’t receive his allowance”.
This woman’s prayer wasn’t like that at all. It was full of love and of genuine, heartfelt concern for this friend and her family. Whatever brought them to the hospital was pretty serious, and I felt an overwhelming urge to jump in on this prayer with her. I pulled my hat down tight over my eyes and leaned forward and started praying. Quietly. I thought of it as adding a whispered voice to the prayer chorus, some sort of prayer harmony.
Strangely enough, I have thought about the two of them a few times a week since that happened, and shot up a couple follow-up prayers of my own. (Haven’t been able to forget them is probably a more accurate statement.)
I do believe in the healing power of prayer, and there are some scientific studies out that support that belief… I also believe in a mysterious God that has the power of a ‘creator’ and I only am one of the ‘created’ so, I’m sure there are things I won’t understand (like why my wife’s back is jacked up and we had to be at the hospital in the first place). However, this experience was a good reminder to stop what I’m doing, breathe and listen for opportunities to pray.
Have you every anonymously jumped in on a prayer? Is that weird? I have made it a habit to pray when I go meet a new customer for my real job… As I’m walking to their building, I say something simple like “God, let them see You in me” and/or “let the conversation be pleasing to you.“ I have done this for years and it puts me in a mood of cooperation with my potential clients, instead of a me vs. them scenario.
I’ve struggled with getting up in the morning and reading a bible passage, or praying and these are some prayer based activities/opportunities that are becoming second nature, and I think that’s a good sign.
What are you doing to make prayer a habit? You may want to give ‘prayer harmony’ a shot!
Love to you!
Jason
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June 17th, 2009 at 11:12 am
I love “prayer chorus”! The internet provides lots of doors to lift people up spontaneously. Lifting up a prayer for you and your family now!
June 17th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Hey Lisa thanks! I love your singing!
June 17th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
This reminds me of the night we lost Derrick. We were all in the hospital and in a waiting room that was only filled with our family members. Later in the evening a new family came in and they had the same look on their faces as we did. Yes, there was some small talk however I was blessed to see some family members heads bow as we were hearing the story of why they were there. It might not have been a true ‘prayer chorus’ however in a time when we didn’t know the fate of Derrick people were praying for others. A God who loves like our God does makes you think/work/feel for others even in tough times. God Bless brother and I pray Shelli is doing well!
June 17th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Returning to a real and active prayer life is one of my two big spiritual priorities right now. Certainly this should include prayer harmony.
June 17th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Jason, What a great article! Many times when my oldest, Alison, has been in the hospital for various procedures (she was born with a cleft palate) we have come across someone that we’ve never been able to forget. I remember on one specific occasion, the family in the room right next to us, had a baby somewhere between the ages of 12-20 months who was in Vandy for his SECOND heart surgery! I prayed with her, but first I prayed that the Lord would tell me what to say because what would I say, how would I pray, when we were in the hospital for something so minor. I truly believe that the Lord will put you in situations to further His kingdom. You just have to take the bait. Prayer is an excellent way to share the love of Christ, even if you are praying in quiet “harmony” with someone else.
June 17th, 2009 at 8:59 pm
To use your famous quote, “Good stuff, man”. That was very well written and something we all need to take away. That prayer can either make the difference of whether you hit the tennis ball just out of the white line, or right on it. Plus a lot of westward wind direction from God to make the yella ball stay inside the square
)))
June 18th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Awesome message! Some time ago I was listening to some teaching tapes, I’m pretty sure it was Joyce Meyer and she talked about how much different our would could be if we prayed for people we didn’t even know. And then if others would do the same, just think of all the people being prayed for that may not have been other wise.
I think you joining those ladies in prayer that day was a wonderful thing to do and a good example of what a follower of Christ should be doing!
I TRY, don’t always succeed, but TRY to make it a practice to pray for those around me. If I’m out shopping and see someone who appears to be struggling, I pray. If I encounter an unhappy cashier or someone who is obviously having a bad day, I pray. My prayer is usually something simple, like “Lord, I don’t know what their needs are or circumstances, but You do. I pray that those needs will be meet and that you will bless them beyond measure. Most importantly, Lord, if they don’t know you I pray that they will come to know You in a life changing way that will bring Glory to your Kingdom.”
Once again, great message! Thanks for sharing these moments of your life with us!
June 19th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
Gene- I remember that night so well… I guess I’m not surprised that even in tragedy your family members would reach out in prayer for others. What a legacy.
Carol- It’s such a simple thing to do (pray) and yet, sometimes I just simply forget or get too busy. Glad you are focusing on this area, we can hold each other accountable here.
Jen- It’s cool that you can relate to this and have been a witness/participant. Hospitals seem to be at the center of anxiety (tragedy) for many, so we probably need to be even MORE aware there. Hope your daughter continues to heal.
Burt- ‘Good stuff’ back to you! I never realized how much I say that until we became friends!
Callie- I saw a guy at Panera with his head in his hands yesterday, sitting next to a woman close to his own age. I missed an opportunity to pray for him then. Shot a quick prayer up just now (after reading your response) but wow, I like the ‘pray while shopping’ idea… and not just so that the bill will be lower!! Good stuff. (Quiet Burt!)
Thanks y’all for dialoging about this!
June 25th, 2009 at 2:18 am
This is the first time to visit your site and I’m so blessed to have found it. First of all, you have the attitude. I’m just blessed with your life when you prayed along with the two women. that was one extraordinary act. why would somebody pray for people they don’t know? but you were different. you were being christ-like. blessings to you! I also struggle in waking up to pray and read the Bible but I force myself sometimes. and even soemtimes I pray while walking to work. I even sing songs.
July 1st, 2009 at 5:32 pm
Mikes,
Thanks for the kind words. I encourage you to continue doing what you are doing. I have to turn off the radio sometimes in the car and pray (which is hard to do because I’m a music freak)… Praying will walking is a good method too! Good suggestion.
Jason