Oh How He Loves Us!

Both last Saturday and yesterday I have had the honor of putting into practice James 5:13-15
 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.  And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. 


I went with my friends...somehow our group has been dubbed as Salt 'n Peppa...don't ask!  ; )
In both situations the one we prayed for was a friend of a friend.  In the first situation, the one we prayed for knows the Lord. In the second situation we aren't sure whether or not she does.  In both cases, God's love poured out in surprising ways. 

Both times we went to pray with no agenda...no formula...no idea what God would do.  Both times we went with hearts turned to God, seeking His heart for the woman for whom we prayed...armed only with the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of the Lord...not knowing what would happen, but very expectant that something would!

We left both places filled with joy and completely in awe that God Most High chooses to move through imperfect people to pour out His lavish love. 

Is anyone in trouble?  Both of these precious women were in trouble...their spirits were troubled with fear, hopelessness, and sadness.  He should pray.

We stood in the gap and prayed on their behalf. Is anyone happy? We were happy to do what God has called us to do by praying for these dear ones.  Let him sing songs of praise. Krissy sang over each of these women songs straight from The Father's heart, bringing His peace to each one. Is anyone among you sick?  Our friends were sick.  One with an illness that has her completely bedridden, one facing surgery.  He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. Both times we prayed, we all felt faith rise up in us. In both cases, we felt like healing was happening...and not just physical healing, but emotional healing as well. But more important than any healing that took place was that each woman experienced the love of God for her. 


We drove away from both houses, rejoicing at what God had done, and that we got to be along for the ride.  Oh, how He loves us!  Oh, how He loves the women for whom we prayed.  Thank You, Lord for loving them though us.  Thank You for the joy of being able to give away a little piece of Your Kingdom to them. Thank You for allowing us to Love The ONE and love the one.