“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 6:16b (NIV) / Pixabay
Not long ago, I attended the funeral for a lovely lady in our community. The eulogies given by those who knew her were warm and endearing. The last person to speak was her son. What he shared with us challenged me to take a look at my own life. Maybe it will challenge you as well.
After a time of exchanging cherished family memories that caused laughter and tears to spill out at the same time, her son then reflected on his mother’s prayer life. He called her a “Warrior on her knees”! He shared that he’d often wondered how much of what had happened in the lives of his family was a direct result of their mom’s fervent prayers. In addition, he was also curious about the number of bad things that hadn’t happened to them because of their mom’s fervent prayers. Then this grieving son asked a powerful question:
“Now, who will take her place?”
Who will take her place? Who will take over where she left off? What a testimony to a life! A woman remembered for her prayers; an intercessor, so dedicated, that her passing would leave a vacancy, not easy to fill. Just imagine… WANTED: Someone able to lift heavy burdens. Must be available all hours of the day and night. Dedication to, persistence, and confidence in results required. Needs to be prepared to work in private. Able to manage large case loads. Now, who will take her place?
Driving home after the service that question kept playing over and over in my mind and I started thinking about the testimony my life offers to those around me. Guess what? In the area of prayer, Worrier came to mind before Warrior! Let’s be honest, NOBODY needs to fill that position!
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)
I didn’t know Mrs. P. well. I wish I had! This quiet, behind the scenes worker, a Sister in Christ, lived a life here that affirmed a great faith, declared her abundant love, and professed the power of prayer. Even from her Heavenly home, her witness has challenged me to spend more time on my knees than I do wringing my hands. I can’t think of a better testimony of a well-lived Godly life than that! Can you?
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
I’ve written this in memory of Mrs. P. to the prompt “Testimony” and have joined the other writers over at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com
I look forward to seeing the directions others have taken their writing in today. I encourage you to click over and read for yourself! I pray Mrs. P.’s testimony has touched you in some way and if it has prompted you to think about your own life testimony, I’d love to hear about it! Just leave me a note in the comments! As always, thank you for being here!
What a beautiful testimony about this godly woman and inspiration that we are never too old or too weak to hold people up in prayer!
Isn’t that the truth Anita? We feel we can’t do anything but we all can pray for others! Her testimony continues to impact me! I appreciate you stopping in!
What a powerful legacy….and what a question! Who will stand in the gap…take up the baton…be the next prayer warriors as this generation of wise and dedicated saints fades away?? Very humbling and convicting. Thanks for sharing. (And makes me so grateful for the Mrs. Ps that I know today. I want to spend more time with them!!)
It’s a question that has stuck with me Jennifer! I’ve had the realization at several funerals lately that I didn’t really know the person, so like you it has made me want to spend more time with those who are still here! Thank you for stopping in! I truly appreciate it!
Beautiful tribute, Cindy! And such an important check of how we spend our time and energy. Your piece brought to mind my own grandmother (we called her Lolly) whose bedroom I shared when we visited throughout my childhood. I would frequently awaken in the dark to the sweet sound of her voice softly praying for each of us. I felt as if I were peeking through heavenly curtains.
Oh, how I love this story!!! What wonderful memories to have and now I feel like I’ve gotten a little peek too! Thank you for sharing it with me! And thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to comment. Your friendship and support are blessings to me!
This is a beautiful tribute! And it is beautiful that her son recognised the value of her prayers. It’s such important work that often goes unnoticed to others, but this is an amazing legacy to leave!
I agree with you Lesley! And it’s a legacy I want to leave for my children and grandchildren, too! I so appreciate you taking the time to stop in and comment! Thank you!
Cindy, what a wonderful legacy she left! I can’t think of anything I’d rather have said at my funeral. And how nice that her son realized her contribution to their family. I got goose bumps just reading this. The thing about praying is that it’s so easy. It can be done anywhere and at anytime. You don’t have to get on your knees. I think sitting up or laying down works just fine too. Maybe even standing on your head! ha ha But I think the important part is just having a conversation with the good Lord. It always comforts me and I highly recommend it! 😀
I agree LaVonne about nothing better being said at our funerals! I used “getting on my knees” as a metaphor for prayer. You are so right that there are no requirements to where, when, or how! I recommend it too! Thank you so much for taking your time to comment. Your support means the world to me!
Love you g/f! Keep enlightening us with your insights. It DOES make a difference! 😀