“We have been praying about this evening of healing for a few months now, and we want to share with you some of the healing we feel led to pray for tonight,” the CFR Friar said. Donned in his gray habit, he stood barefoot on the marble step in the front of the sanctuary and continued: “Sometimes we have a specific name to go along with the intention, and sometimes it is simply the intention itself that we have received in prayer.”
I settle into the wooden pew. I am certainly not ready for what I am about to hear.
“There is someone here tonight with back pain, particularly in their lower right back. We want to ask God to heal that. Someone else here has been having liver problems. We don’t want to simply ask for healing, we want to ask God for a new liver for this person!” The list of intentions continues on like this for quite some time before everyone is invited to come forward if they so desire, to be prayed over individually.
I have to be completely honest with you, sisters: a part of me was in disbelief that night. As I listened to the intentions, the skeptic in me wondered, really? I was awestruck by the specificity and fearlessness with which these men of God asked for healing. It seemed outrageous!
Then I read the encounter between the centurion and Jesus: “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant shall be healed.” (Matthew 8:8) What humility the centurion displayed as he approached Jesus. And what faith! To believe that by His word alone Jesus could heal.
“When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. . .” (Matthew 8:10a) I wonder: when was the last time Jesus was amazed at my own faith?
And then, this line stops me in my tracks: “As you have believed, let it be done for you.” (Matthew 8:13) As you have believed. Not “as you have asked,” but as you have believed. How bold are your prayers, sisters? Do you come before Jesus truly expectant?
Let there be no doubt in our hearts: Jesus is the Healer. We need only believe.
Jesus is the Healer. We need only believe. // @inendlesssongClick to tweet
Increase our faith, Lord. Help our unbelief! May we come before You expecting great things, for You are infinitely good.
Elise Howe is a devoted wife, momma, vocal artist and teacher. She currently resides in New York City, though she will always be a Midwestern gal at heart. Elise has a heart for ministry, dark chocolate (but not too dark) and coffee with a generous amount of cream + sugar. Find out more about her here.
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