For years I would drive pass people or walk pass a person and send up a silent prayer for them. I have always felt led to do this and we can all use more prayer. I would particularly intercede for those who were in need, such as the infirmed, the homeless and the destitute. I would not approach the people; the only times that I would go up to people would be to give them money.
The latter part of 2018, the Holy Spirit impressed upon me to reach out on a personal level to pray for people, especially the sick. You have to remember (from my “Two-Year Situation” blog under Living a Healthy Life) that I am awaiting the manifestation of my own healing and I know it is coming soon! The Holy Spirit impressed on my heart that I am to go up to people and pray personal prayers of healing over them even as I await the manifestation of my own healing! Now, I still send up silent prayers for people as I pass by them, but I am now being led by the Holy Spirit to approach some and touch their lives in prayer on a personal level.
So, on Wednesday, January 2, as I approached a store, I saw a woman struggling and in pain as she moved from the sidewalk to the street; she appeared to be on her way to her car. I sent up my usual prayer for her healing, but I knew that was not what I was supposed to do. So, I started moving toward the part of the parking lot in which she was headed instead of going into the store. Of course, I was thinking, “This lady may greet me with hostility or tell me to mind my own business.” As I approached her, I spoke and ask if I could pray for her. She said, “Wait a minute; I have got to sit down.” She proceeded to tell me that her knee was hurting. So, I waited as she got into her car—she then left the car door open. I knew that was my cue to pray for her. I remained where I was and reached my hands out to her and prayed for her healing. She thanked me and I wished her a Happy New Year.
In this situation, I allowed Holy Spirit to guide me. I did not lay my hands on her; I had no discernment that I should. Perhaps I could have asked, but I just wanted her to be comfortable. I simply reached my hands toward her and prayed. I have found that I have to use wisdom and discernment when doing God’s work. I do not know whether this lady was saved or not, but she readily received the prayer that I offered to the Lord on her behalf. I did what I was supposed to do. Now, when I am led to dig deeper—I will.
I must disclose that this was not the first time that I personally approached someone to pray for them since being led by the Holy Spirit to minister on a personal level. The very first time was during a church service at my church. We had a guest speaker and he called this lady up to the front to pray for her. I had been noticing the lady all night. Actually, I was noticing her ankles and feet—they were swollen. My eyes continue to rest on her ankles and feet. Of course, I sent up a silent prayer. The visiting man of God prayed for the lady. However, as she returned to her seat, the Holy Spirit was nudging me to pray for her. To be honest, this brought me discomfort. She had been prayed for by the Man of God! Nonetheless, I approached her and asked if the minister had prayed for her ankles and feet and she said, “No.” I asked if I could pray for her and she nodded her head. I led her to a seat and I got down on my knees and prayed for the lady’s ankles and feet. I obeyed God when it was discomforting in the natural, or should I say–in my soul. I did not want to appear presumptuous to others during the service and I do not think I was because there were a number of people still being prayed for at the altar.
During the encounter with that lady, something else occurred. As I knelt down to pray for her, I felt no pain and I got back up with ease of motion. You have to understand–my back and my hip joints had been paining me all of that day. However during my prayer, for that lady, I felt no pain!
Now, I have done street evangelizing with others; I have led people to Christ and prayed healing prayers over them both at the altar and personally, but this had been another dimension to my walk. My obedience level is being taken to a different level even as I minister to others!
What added dimension is God taking you to in 2019? Is he calling you to step into ministry; is he testing your obedience; is he asking you to set aside those hindrances to your walk with him?
Maybe you are reading this devotional and you do not know the Lord. If you are, you have come to the right place. Father God loves you. He loves you so much that he sent his only begotten Son, Jesus, as a sacrificial lamb so that you can be saved and Jesus willingly gave up his life so that you can have the opportunity to become part of the kingdom of God! If you want to join me and other believers, say this prayer below:
Dear Father God, I want to become part of your kingdom. I believe that your Son, Jesus Christ, died on the cross for my sins; I believe that He was resurrected from the dead on the third day. Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and as I come before you today, I repent of my past sins. I ask forgiveness and help in turning away from my former sinful life. Come into my heart now, Jesus, and become the Lord of my life. Thank you Jesus for saving me from a life of sin. Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to guide me in my Christian walk. I pray this prayer, in your Name, Jesus.
Those of you who prayed that sinner’s prayer, find a church that loves Jesus and read and study his Word, the Bible. Jesus loves you.
Be blessed.
Scriptures for Meditation:
Jeremiah 17:14 Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.
Psalm 41:3 The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health.
James 5:16 . . . The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16
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