My heart is breaking this morning to see some of the Social Media comments ridiculing prayer.
I know first hand the discordant emotions of simultaneously not having prayers answered (those fervent prayers between a call informing me of Brooke’s accident and the second call …) and of having prayers answered (prayers of comfort). Prayers of comfort were offered up by my family, friends, and even strangers upon hearing the news of Brooke’s death. Those prayers were offered on behalf of me and the rest of my family at a time when quite honestly I was too weak to pray for myself and my family.
Do not downplay the awesome power of prayers of comfort. There were moments on the day that we celebrated Brooke’s life and then laid her to rest when it literally felt as if someone had a physical hold on me. As I walked to the podium to deliver her eulogy – I wasn’t carried by my own physical power. I had none at that moment.
The power of each one of your prayers of comfort carried me there, held me up, and saw me through.
Though I’d never wish extreme suffering on anyone, I do wish that those who are attacking prayer this morning could experience the tangible presence of prayer in their lives.
“Then Jesus said to him, ‘Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.” John 20:29 Sadly, I’m more like Thomas than those who did not see. I believe because I’ve seen and felt the presence of the Lord.
Prayers of comfort for those in Sutherland Springs. Prayers of peace to those attacking prayer this morning. Prayers of enlightenment for those who’ve seen yet still do not believe.
