July 23 – “Powerful stuff”

A quick word about praying.  Yesterday, as the praise team took a break from rehearsing, I went over and prayed with them, as is my usual custom.  As I finished up, Mrs. Dianne said, “And for our pastor too …”  But she didn’t stop there.  As the rest of the team reached for their guitars, she started pointing to different areas of the worship center and calling by name the various regulars who usually sit there.  Before long all of us were joining in, calling out in prayer the names of every one of the Seaside regulars.  And Mrs. Dianne remembered the myriad of visitors we have as well, mentioning specifically the RV’ers and campers and weekenders and retirees and new to the area’s and the just going to the beach-ers and the ones staying in our retreat center.  I’m pretty sure every person who even thought about attending Seaside was prayed for. 

Then, just before worship started, I was grabbed by the hand by Mr. Bob.  He also grabbed another guy as we walked past, and the three of us hurried into the office area of the worship center.  We all then held hands and Mr. Bob prayed for the service and for me in particular.  Invigorating, to say the least.  And then after the service I was having a random conversation with Mrs. Violet.  She was waiting for her ride home to finish some chore around the church.  The issues I’m having with my knee came up, and she immediately said, “Well, let’s pray for your knee right now.”  She grabbed my hands and prayed a very sweet prayer.  Not long.  Didn’t have to be.  Heartfelt, though.  And greatly appreciated. 

There are a few things that really do a pastor good right before he heads out to lead in worship.  One of them, by the way, is not approaching him with a gripe or complaint that could just as easily be handled with an email.  Valid prayer requests are a different story.  Those he can and will handle.  So, what to say?  Any word of encouragement is always welcome.  Say anything positive about his family, his teaching/preaching … even his appearance.  He may or may not be able to process it quickly enough to respond appropriately right then, but he does receive it … and need it.  And the second thing is prayer.  Assure him you are praying for him … and then, when you can stop to take a breath, actually do it.  Or follow the example of Mrs. Dianne and Mr. Bob and Mrs. Violet.  Stop right where you are and say a prayer. 

James 5:16 says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

Father, thank you for the prayers of your people.  I can sure feel the difference.  Powerful stuff.  Amen.