People of faith have known the power of prayer since time began.  All of the great heroes of the Bible, from Abraham to Hannah (the mother of the prophet Samuel) to John the Beloved, were people of fervent faith and devotion.  One after another, they demonstrated the power and peace available through prayer and communion with the Creator. 

Now even the secular worlds of psychology and medicine are catching on. Studies have shown that prayer (and meditation) can help heal. Hospitals across the land have even bolstered their "prayer therapy" for the sick and recovering.  At the very least, prayers are comforting in times of need.

I have recently undergone a situation where my own prayers, as well as the prayers of others, have provided me personal comfort.   Over the past several weeks I have undergone some medical problems, and have experienced firsthand the power that prayer can have in one's life.  God is first and foremost, a God of love .  His love flows freely and transcends to all areas of our lives, including our health.  Our Heavenly Father does not want us to be sick, but would rather we be strong and capable of living our lives in the manner for which we were created.   At the onset of my illness, I underwent a series of tests to determine what was causing my problem, but did not seem to be getting better.  On the morning that I went in for an EKG and Stress Test, I was feeling really frustrated because I still wasn't feeling well, and the medicines didn't seem to be working.   It was then that I noticed the nurse who was working with me had a tattoo on the back of her leg which said, "Philippians 4:13".  "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." The marking was small, yet it caught my eye and in my mind, God meant for me to see it, as a subtle reminder that no matter what I go through, He is always there to impart His strength in my life.  I knew in my heart that no matter what lie ahead of me, God would be with me and would work His will in my life.  The reassurance of His Word gave me peace.  My EKG came back abnormal and my stress test showed what appeared to be a blockage, so I was immediately scheduled for a heart Cauterization.   I have to admit that when I went into the hospital for the Cauterization, I was more than a little nervous, but I remembered the nurse's tattoo, and in my heart I heard God say, "Peace be still".  My heart was immediately calmed and His peace remained with me throughout the surgery and continued on until my discharge from the hospital.  Even today, as I continue to recouperate and get my strength back, His peace still calms my soul and I know He is ever with me. 

But God didn't stop there.  He proved to me, once again, that His love for us extends to all areas of our lives and that no problem is too big, or too small for Him to handle.  Our God is concerned not only with our physical, but our financial well-being, and every aspect of our lives.  Prior to my hospitalization, our family finances were suffering due to my time off work and medical expenses, not to mention the upcoming trip to the hospital for surgery.  God was faithful in providing our needs and although I should not have been surprised, it was such a warm, peaceful feeling to know that He had even "that" under His control.   During the week prior to my hospitalization God provided four separate "unexpected" checks in the amount of $100 each which more than covered the cost of travel, food and lodging while my family was there with me.  God even worked it out so that my husband's employer paid him for his time off work while he was with me during my hospitalization.  Our Heavenly Daddy is SO amazingly good, taking into consideration all our needs, and not missing a single one.  He wants the best for His children, and He lovingly gives it.

And oh, yes !!!  The heart cauterization turned out wonderfully, with no blockages and a good report.  God was with me every step of the way and just as He promised in Philippians 4:13, I made it though, resting in His strength.  My medical problems were due to a virus that literally "knocked my socks off", and after much needed rest and continued care, I am steadily getting my strength back.  And just as Philippians said, I made God's strength my own, and I am much better.

So many people have lifted me in prayer over the past several weeks and I am forever grateful for their commitment, concern and love for me.  I know, without a doubt. that our God hears and answers prayers, and I know He heard yours.   He was with me every step of the way, and even now as I continue to improve and see the power of His hand at work in my life.  I am so thankful that our Heavenly Father is a God of love.  No matter the time of day, He is never too busy to talk with us.  His grace and His mercy are always on time, and never one moment late.   God, our Heavenly Father, and the most amazing LOVE you have ever known, is only a prayer away.