My neighbor and I both wanted to get healthier so we decided to go on morning walks together. Before the sun rose, at 5:30am each morning we’d meet each other outside. We’d walk the neighborhood and share what was on our hearts. We’d take that time to pray for anything and everything while we walked.
We didn’t go to the same church and didn’t share the same circle of friends so I felt comfortable telling her how much I had been hurt by a woman that I led a ministry with. I had been struggling with how she treated me for months. I thought we were friends and I just couldn’t understand why she would treat me the way she did. I felt like giving up on serving all together. Whenever we crossed paths I had a strong urge to turn myself right around and head in the opposite direction as quickly as possible.
I told my walking buddy that I would like to pray that I could let the whole thing go, forgive her and move on. I knew these negative feelings were not good for me and the thought of running into her was taking the joy out of going to church. We prayed out loud about the whole situation along with many other requests as we did every other morning.
Later that day my phone rang. I was shocked to see the name of the woman who had betrayed me pop up on my cell. I wondered “why in the world would she be calling me?” Hesitantly I answered the phone.
She started off by telling me that God had put it on her heart to call me and apologize. I couldn’t believe my ears. I had just prayed about that very thing that morning and later that day she called to apologize! We talked everything out and I hung up feeling so much better. Her phone call meant so much to me because it meant that God heard and He cared.
The Bible tells us that when two or three are gathered In Jesus’ name He is in their midst (Matt 18:20) and that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:16).
Those mornings spent prayer walking with my neighbor made many life giving memories for me, and taught me a few lessons. I learned that God hears us and cares about the things we care about no matter how big or small, our prayers matter to God. He is more than willing and able to answer us. And there is something powerful that takes place when multiple Christ followers who are genuinely doing their best to follow God’s leading join together in prayer. God is able to get a lot of work done and bring healing through obedient believers. And most importantly God delights in answering our prayers and He loves when we take the time to talk to Him.
Is there something on your mind today? Whatever it is, make your requests known to God and if you have a trusted friend pray together. Give God the opportunity to make Himself known to you by answering your prayers and meeting your needs.
