How do I respond when someone tells me, ‘My friend is better thanks to your prayers.’?
We pray for someone because we believe that it matters. But the how, what, when, where, and who of it all is a mystery, and probably better kept that way. Probably better not to analyze another’s response. What if they say, ‘My friend isn’t better because people did pray hard enough for her.’
Then there is the question of what exactly I have prayed for. To the best of my understanding I pray that peace will surround everyone in the situation. Sometimes the person gets better, which brings great joy; sometimes the person dies peacefully, which also brings joy. Sometimes the situation seems pretty horrific, with no apparent peace or joy. There are so many questions. I just keep praying for the peace of God that passes all understanding.
We pray for someone because we believe that it matters. But the how, what, when, where, and who of it all is a mystery, and probably better kept that way. Probably better not to analyze another’s response. What if they say, ‘My friend isn’t better because people did pray hard enough for her.’
Then there is the question of what exactly I have prayed for. To the best of my understanding I pray that peace will surround everyone in the situation. Sometimes the person gets better, which brings great joy; sometimes the person dies peacefully, which also brings joy. Sometimes the situation seems pretty horrific, with no apparent peace or joy. There are so many questions. I just keep praying for the peace of God that passes all understanding.
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