The Desperate

“Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things. And I urge you all the more to do this, so that I may be restored to you the sooner.” Hebrews 13:18-19
 
Five years ago, this month, Dana faced vital surgery in her final fight against breast cancer. We traveled to Fayetteville, Arkansas for Dr. Cross to perform this delicate procedure. We were provided incredible hospitality in the home of our dear friends, Rev. Bob and Sharna Arthur. The success of the surgery and Dana’s five year cancer free status, we lay completely at the feet of answered prayer. As Paul Harvey used to say, “Now, for the rest of the story.”
 
Three weeks prior to this occasion, we had no surgeon, no hospital, and no place to stay. This fight with cancer had been going on since March of 2008.  We were running out of time, and the people we had counted on to pray for us were running out of patience and endurance with the length of the struggle.
 
At the end of our rope physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially, we were impressed to go on Facebook and cry out for reinforcements. In very short order, thousands of “Friends” were praying for us. The results were staggering.
 
God provided the surgeon, the hospital, a place to stay, friends to care for Dana, and a surgical nurse we had both known since she was a teen-age girl. We look back on that crisis as a pivotal time in our lives. There are no more powerful words in the English language than the three little words, “PRAY FOR US!”
 
Three little words opened our hearts, and released our grip on our personal crisis. As we humbled ourselves to admit we were at the end of our rope, our hands opened to receive what only God can do. The result of believing prayer is answered prayer.  The Father hears, and answers the prayers of His children when they engage in intercession on behalf of others. When we are humble enough to admit our need, and call on others pray for us, the power of Heaven is unleashed.
 
“Pray for us.” – Three little words reveal an essential humble spirit in the heart. They precede all answered prayer. They build a bridge of interdependence between, and create a bond of unity with other believers. Prayer warriors use them often.
 
The author of Hebrews repeated the words spoken often by Paul to his friends. He had trusted friends that he was not too proud to call on to intercede for him. (I Thessalonians 3:25)
 
Prayer warriors not only pray for others, they remain humble enough to seek prayers from those they trust. When they come to the end of their rope, they cry out for help in desperation to their friends. God loves to answer the unselfish prayers of His children when they are lifted up to Him on behalf of others.
 
NOTE TO SELF: Ask for help, not only from God, but also from your friends. This is not an excuse for you to become dependent upon your friends for their provision, but upon their intercession. If you are not praying in water that is over your head, then you are playing in the shallow end of the pool. When you are faced with the impossible, surround yourself with people experienced in calling on God to do the HIMpossible. You don’t need the pity or panic of prayerless people. You need the intercession of prayerful people. Choose your friends carefully. TALK LESS! PRAY MORE!