Praying Big

Mondays are typically my 'at home' day to put my house back together again after a weekend full of family fun (translation: mess). Since my Mary Month experiment this Winter, I have been committed to keep this day free from appointments, meetings, etc. and just enjoy the quiet of an empty home.

Honestly, much of this morning was spent crying. I feel like I have had to hold it together all weekend for the sake of my familial responsibilities. My hormones are raging and I just needed a release. So, as I worked on my ever-massive laundry piles I was listening to an Andy Stanley sermon called Asking Big.

Here's just a sampling of the quotes from that sermon that convicted me this morning:
"What are you praying that's big enough to honor the size of your God?"
"The size of your prayers determine the size of your God for your children."
"God is not annoyed by your persistence. He is honored by it. Jesus says He is moved by it. Do you have a tenacity in your prayers that honors God?"

In the midst of all that I got a call from a young man in our community. (True confession time here. Don't judge me.) He called our home phone first. I did not readily recognize the name on caller ID so I let it go to voicemail. A few minutes later my mobile phone started ringing. I did not recognize the number, so I answered it. The young man on the other end of the line introduced himself and asked if I had time to chat. I was in the middle of a cathartic time of weeping and praying, so I told him I did not. I did not know what he wanted, but thought I remembered seeing his name as part of a group in a fundraising letter I had recently received. Frankly, I just wasn't in the mood to deal with a sales pitch--even for ministry. (Just keeping it real.)
But he was persistent.
"I understand, Mrs. Scott. Would there be a better time for us to talk?"
My mind was racing. I decided to tell him I would call him back around 2, when I was on my way to get my children.

Fast forward to this afternoon. I had straightened the house, washed the dishes, tackled the laundry, prayed, talked to a few friends and showered and gotten dressed. I was feeling a bit more refreshed as I gathered my things to head to the school for pick up. I looked at the clock and saw 2:02. I sighed and decided to keep my word and return the call. (Although not with a very good attitude.)

When A. answered the phone I cut to the chase.
"Are you calling about the fundraising letter I received last week?"
"No, ma'am. I am actually calling about something else."
I was intrigued. What on Earth is this stranger calling me about?
"I am calling you about Sweeney."

I don't want to tell stories that aren't mine to tell, but the next couple of minutes were spent with A. explaining how very burdened he had been this weekend over praying for Sweeney, a man he does not know. He spoke of how even this morning during a devotional time he was attending he brought Sweeney's name before the group through tears. Tears, A. pointed out, from a young single man in his early twenties for another man he does not know.

A. told me of how after the devotional time another young man approached him and said, "Sweeney's story is not over. God can still heal him."
These two young men committed to pray fervently for Sweeney. A mutual friend put A. in touch with me to see if it would be possible to go and pray over Sweeney.

I have to tell you, my first inclination was to 'run interference' for Cabell. Honestly, they are weary. This journey has become excruciating. I knew Sweeney's mother was arriving this afternoon and that they were awaiting word on a procedure to help alleviate some of his pain. It 'just so happened' the time these guys wanted to pray was when the procedure was scheduled.

The words from Andy's sermon were fresh in my mind. My fleshly, practical response was in deep conflict with the lesson I felt like God was teaching me. I called my accountability partner, Beth, and asked her what she thought I ought to do.
"You need to hang up and call Cabell."
Just as she uttered those words my call waiting beeped. It was Cabell.

I recounted the amazing story to her and she shared with me how the Spirit was at work in her life over this very thing. How just last night as Sweeney slept she was pouring over the Gospel accounts of all the different times Jesus healed someone. She had recommitted herself to faithful, fervent prayer for His divine intervention and healing.

Logistically, we could not make it work for A. & his friend to come pray at the time they had requested, but Cabell suggested they come to the hospital or go to her back porch. I passed along the message--along with my gratitude for their precious faithfulness and obedience. What love they showed to strangers today!

Just as I got a text from Cabell that they were in pre-op, I got a text from A. that they were on their way to the Sweeney's back porch. Meanwhile, my sweet husband was wrapping up his day in the OR and heading across town to the hospital where Sweeney's procedure was taking place. He was able to be in the room holding his hand and securing his damaged shoulder to prevent dislocation. (I am married to a tender, amazing man.)

As he later recounted the story to Cabell, it was very difficult to navigate the cancer ridden anatomy. Although it was a very experienced and excellent physician at the scope, there were tense moments where it seemed they might need to turn back. My husband was not an attending surgeon at that point--he was just Sweeney's friend. As such, he was praying like crazy that they could somehow finish this procedure. He prayed inside that OR, just as countless others were praying all over the place. Finally, through a somewhat 'blind stick,' the anatomy was cleared, a stent was placed and we all rejoiced at an opportunity for some pain relief for our friend. When Cabell was told this story she remarked at how amazing it was that she was specifically praying through the anatomy of his abdomen. She knows the Spirit led her to pray that way.

As I am typing this, I am cognizant that much of the 'amazing' in this story is getting lost in translation...but those of us on the ground in this fight are incredibly encouraged by the way God showed Himself to still be VERY MUCH in the picture in this situation. Although it may seem like a small thing in light of the severity of our friend's situation, it is a huge reminder of what happens when we storm the gates of heaven with faithful prayers. I am praising God for His compassion. He does not leave us or forsake us. He is full of mercy. Praise be to Him!

And I challenge you to consider if you are praying big, God-sized prayers that honor the BIG God we love?

My family is praying for complete healing for Sweeney in this life. We have involved our children in this request. I am resisting the fleshly urge to make excuses for God in advance, in case He decides to heal him in heaven rather than on Earth. We will not borrow worry from tomorrow. We will pray in faith today. Lord, help me model BIG faith for my children!