Prayers of Comfort
Jim Cummings of Columbus, OH, USA
I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God-what is good and acceptable and perfect. -Romans 12:1-2
As I was preparing for the new year, I noticed my January calendar was busier than usual with responsibilities. Then I became ill the first week of January with infection and swelling of the prostate, which eventually required surgery. Surgery was scheduled for January 31.
I asked family, friends, and brothers and sisters at church for prayers on my behalf. I gained much physical and spiritual strength as a result of their prayers. Not only was I able to fulfill all my responsibilities, I was also asked to officiate at two funerals after being in the emergency room just days earlier. Because I was weak and unable to rest or sleep, I had to depend on the Holy Spirit for comfort and strength. I was made aware of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
When I arose on the morning of the surgery, I read the Daily Bread. The devotional was written by Twyla Glassford from Windsor, Ontario, Canada. She had entered a hospital for knee replacement surgery and brought with her a prayer shawl she had received nine years earlier, before another surgery. During the intervening years she had shared the prayer shawl with others who were undergoing surgery, after which it was always returned. When she left the hospital this time, she gave the shawl to her roommate who was in considerable pain.
I related this devotion to my wife, Kathy, and she shared a story she had read that same morning about a woman who was taking her husband to surgery. I believe it was more than a coincidence that both devotionals were about surgeries on the same day my wife was taking me to surgery.
Once again, I felt the peace and comfort of the Holy Spirit as I entered surgery and during the recovery and healing process. I also felt more connected to my family, friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ who prayed for me.
Prayer Phrase
God bless the spaces between us.
Spiritual Practice
Tears of Compassion
Offer a silent prayer for the gift of God’s compassion. Cup your hands and ask God to make you aware of the suffering that causes the Earth and its inhabitants to groan and weep. Be open to faces or places, sounds or voices, feelings of connection with those who suffer. Imagine catching the tears of those you see and holding them in your hands. Listen for prayer images or words God may give you. Discern any active responses of ministry or healing you sense invited to complete for those who weep.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
