October 21, 2009
As Ali prepared for heart surgery earlier this year, she was given a prayer quilt. When it came time to go through another MRI, the hospital staff prepared to cover her up with hospital sheets to keep her warm. Ali insisted on having her quilt instead.
That quilt was a reminder that people were praying for her. Today, she emanates the boundless energy of any healthy 10 year-olds her age, and maybe even more. On this particular Wednesday night, she has stepped away from her church group meeting to come to House of Prayer Experience. A quilt checkered with pictures all kinds of animals, framed by bright red borders awaits her up front. She has requested it for a first grader named Ben who rides the same bus to school with her.
Ben has Cerebral Palsy. She didn’t know much about it, so she and her mom ‘googled’ it and did some research to understand Ben’s situation better. Ali remembered her own experience with the power of prayer, and decided that she would ask for a prayer quilt on Ben’s behalf. This way, he could experience God’s peace and know that people like Ali really cared about him.
Ben was suppose to make it that evening to receive his prayer quilt, but didn’t because he was just diagnosed with influenza that day.
Ali came up to pray for him and stand in his place.
Two elementary school teacher, Margaret and Raiza (not Ali and Ben’s teachers, just people who care about kids) joined the pastors as intercessory prayers went up on behalf of the young boy.
Wondering about God’s plan for your life? Begin with being open to God, notice how you’ve been blessed and keep an eye out for how you might be part of someone else’s blessing.
JoAnn is thrilled when she looks on at Ali. Six years ago, she prayed about how she might do something meaningful that could change people’s lives. God had blessed her and her family so much. JoAnn knew how to make quilts, she knew how to lead and she knew how to pray. She started the Prayer&Squares quilting team through the Women’s Ministry at the Forest Lake Church. The team has grown to include women (and men!) who dedicate hours to create and distribute beautiful and tangible evidences of people’s healing prayers.
Your life matters a lot. God has a plan. Keep searching for Him first.
Praying for our joy…and hope for the journey.
-Pastor Sabine
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