Prayer

(Jesus said) “I pray for them, I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have
given Me, for they are Yours.” (John 17:9)

There is a situation at my friend’s job where an atheist woman (I’ll call her Mary) has taunted and hated the Christians there for years, but they have kept her in prayer for her salvation. Mary’s mother is a Christian and died several years ago. Mary knows about the bible and is well schooled in it. What has been so frustrating for them is, she is the one asking the questions so that when they answer, she comes back with hateful and jeering remarks. One day, a Christian man said to her, “Mary, you’ve seen enough Light” then turned and walked away. I can understand why he would. But when I heard about it, I took it that they had stopped praying for her salvation altogether. One day I saw a vision of Mary’s mother going before the Throne of God asking for her daughter’s salvation. I told my friend about my vision in hopes that their prayers for her would continue. Then, just two days ago while my friend was talking to Mary at work trying to disregard her sarcastic remarks about Christ, he too, had a vision and told her about it immediately. He said, “Mary, this may sound strange and I don’t understand all of it, but I just saw your mother dancing in Heaven with ballerina shoes on saying to you, ‘Come Home.’ ” Mary’s face went pale and tears filled her eyes. She said, “My mother always dreamed of being a ballerina.” Mary still does not believe in Jesus but they continue on her behalf and so does Mary’s mother.

There is a time to continue in prayer and there are times when the prayers need to stop. That is why we need to listen what the Spirit prompts us to do in each situation. When my years are fulfilled and God is calling me Home, I hope those around me do not pray for my healing only to prolong my suffering more than what God would want. Yet, even then, God will draw the line. I would rather go Home to be with my child, my mother, my pets and be healed in Heaven.

Copyright Cheryl Taul
May 11, 2007