Power in Prayer

“Our father in heaven…hollowed be thy name…” I will never hear those words in the same way again. This past weekend I prayed with my wife’s grandmother for the first time since she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. We asked her if she would like to pray with us…immediately she held out her hand and said yes. I wasn’t sure what I was going to pray…but before I even had an opportunity she started into the Lord’s Prayer. With very little prompting, she went through the whole thing. Afterward I prayed for her…for healing and rest for her mind…I prayed that she would know God’s love more and more each day through the love of her family. When I finished, her eyes were glazed over with emotion instead of confusion. My prayer connected with her in a deep way- and she said so. What a profound thing for me to learn…that Gods spirit can connect and reconnect and touch people- who in other situations may not have the slightest clue what is being said. We often pray for other people…and I know pray is powerful but so much more moving is praying with someone; to bring someone into God’s presence and speak on their behalf for things they may not know how to say.
My wife’s grandma gave us a wonderful blessing this weekend. Being on the brink of departure for a land where others may not understand us; we are encouraged buy the spirit of a woman that transcends our own understanding of this world. When in Africa, and when we come home- we will be praying with people- regardless if our words are understood. Because of some mystery their spirit can be moved and Christ can make a change- if only for a moment in our world, for eternity in his.