TO BE PRAYED FOR
For years I have taken part in and sometimes led prayers of intercession but my current illness is the first time that I have been the regular recipient. This started me thinking about the whole subject and how prayer works. What I originally intended as a simple thank you to all those who have supported my family and myself has turned into a series of articles, of which this is the first. Since prayers of intercession cover such a range of problems, for simplicity I concentrated on prayers for the sick although much of what I have written can apply to other subjects.
The act of prayer can have a profound effect on all involved but we seldom analyse the process. Hours of sitting, while various chemicals were pumped into me, gave me the opportunity.
We believe in an omnipotent God, therefore believe that there is nothing he cannot do to intervene directly when he chooses. However, I have never been a subscriber to the idea of treating God like a celestial fireman, popping down to help every time we dial a prayerful 999. Given 6//7 billion people in the world and the consequent vast quantity of prayer, it is far more likely that the majority will be answered by other means. Either by inspiring others to “feed his sheep” or by invoking rules God has already written into the world that he has made; a sort of God-given sprinkler system triggered by the love and concern expressed by our prayers.
In my case, the consultant told me that my positive attitude not only helped psychologically but helped produce enzymes that aided healing. My ability to remain so positive has been supported by the love and prayers of so many friends throughout the country that I feel not only amazed but also very humbled. Prayer lists from Welsh Chapel to Greek Orthodox, from Evangelical to High Anglican and Catholic and from Mosque to Synagogue. Love is the most powerful force on Earth and with so many friends kneeling side by side with me, how could I fail to respond or sustain my optimism?
This attitude, engendered by prayerful support, also helps when dealing with the health professionals. Many of these are truly dedicated and I believe act as God’s healing instrument on Earth. It makes their job so much easier if patients take treatment without complaint, are prepared to laugh and joke or even listen to their problems. Sometimes, inspired by prayer, healing can be a two-way street.
I have always had difficulty praying for myself. I suppose that I feel that it is presumptuous. The one prayer that I have constantly made for over forty years is for the opportunity to serve. God did not give me lung cancer. A possible predisposition, probably coupled with fifty years of self-abuse, did that. However, God has a waste not want not policy, where everything can be used. Suddenly, people who have had a poor diagnosis for themselves or a relative have started to approach Margaret and me. From our own experience, we are able to encourage them to have a positive attitude and to give them advice and information. This provides support and eases their fears. Without my being ill, ministering to them would be far less effective.
Lastly, being prayed for can change your attitude to things other than your immediate illness or difficulty. During my years as a Christian, I have done many things to sustain God’s church on Earth: deacon, member of church council, fabric steward and Sunday school teacher. However, I saw so many examples of unchristian behaviour within the church that, many years ago, I resolved to dedicate my time to serving Christ in the wider community rather than supporting the church institution. The love that I have received since becoming ill has changed my mind. I have to respond to that love and these articles are my first tentative steps towards taking responsibility again.
A different sort of healing in response to prayer but healing nonetheless.
