Have you ever been surprised by a prayer?
I’ve been wondering what God’s been teaching me through this whole period of forced inactivity. I’m thinking He may be showing me something about prayer.
That’s a good thing–I have a lot to learn.
Last week we met a new doctor—not a unique experience over the past few weeks. He was kind, caring, and sensitive. As the appointment ended I felt encouraged that he understood my dilemma and truly wanted to get me back on my bike as quickly as possible. I believed he had the skill and experience to finally end this silly episode.
Before he left the exam room he stood and shook my hand. He assured me that the procedure he proposed would be minor and routine. Then he did something completely unexpected.
He took Becky’s hand and mine and said, “Is it okay if we pray together?”
We shared a short prayer. He asked God’s guidance and blessing as he worked on my wound, and stated our shared conviction that Jesus is with us in all circumstances.
The prayer surprised me. We were connected by a mutual friend, so I knew he was a Christian. He knew a bit of my background.
Still, I didn’t expect prayer in an unfamiliar doctor’s office.
It felt … good, warm, calm. There’s a sense of connection, a relationship that transcends doctor-patient. When I return next week, there’ll be a shared acknowledgment that God’s in control.
I’ve never quite experienced the power of shared, communal prayer in that way. It wasn’t formal or staged or obligatory. It changed things.
I wonder a lot whether prayer really matters. God used this simple encounter to show me that it does.
Have you ever had a surprising experience with prayer?
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