Feature Post

A Life Characterized By Prayer

By Martha Cimmarrusti

Meg’s blog post last week got me thinking about how I perceive Christians. The study findings she cited basically made Christians out to be judgmental, hypocritical homophobes. It got me thinking about the way I draw conclusions about others based on their behavior.

Interestingly, I had just returned from my friend, Cindy Halsted’s fortieth birthday party, where I met many people for the first time. Like a fly on the wall, I spent the weekend drawing conclusions about those I met based on their actions. In stark contrast to the points of skepticism held by young Outsiders that Meg shared, were the three men in their early twenties I encountered at the party.

The first thing I noticed about Ryan, Charlie and Curtis was how quick they were to pray for those around them. When I arrived at Cindy’s house, her home was filled with young people sharing stories about how Cindy had impacted their lives. For the last several years she’s been hosting a prayer and praise night for teenagers, so the first segment of the party was devoted to the younger generation.

Most of the students in attendance came to faith through the Halsted’s hospitality. Few could name exactly what it was that caused them to put their trust in Jesus, but they referenced conversations, prayers and encouragement they’d received spending time in Cindy’s home. What struck me when these college men got up to share was the emotion they freely displayed in front of the group of teenagers. Ryan’s eyes watered and his voice trembled as he shared the story of how Cindy led him to the Lord over Skype. 

Although the story of Ryan walking into his dorm room and interrupting a conversation Cindy was having with his roommate was an interesting introduction to the faith, what was most remarkable was the courage and boldness Ryan displayed in his interactions following his testimony. Almost immediately after Ryan finished sharing, he was praying with the kids in the room. Charlie and Curtis joined him, forming prayer huddles as needs were expressed and the question was asked over and over, “How can we pray for you?”

My first impression watching them pray, was that they were incredibly loving, compassionate and merciful. Over the course of the evening and following day, I must have seen them pray for twenty individuals, starting with a fifty year-old woman who was concerned about the health of her mother, and ending with a teenager struggling to live out her faith. It was as if everywhere they turned, a prayer meeting broke out. I had the distinct impression that this is what Jesus had in mind when he sent his disciples, to the confused, hurting, sick people in their neighborhoods with instructions to heal them and give them hope. 

I don’t know who the Fermi Project surveyed for their research, but it wasn’t anyone like Ryan, Charlie or Curtis. It’s very difficult to draw negative conclusions about someone who listens intently to others and then immediately prays for them.

That same kind of prayer happened Friday night, at the Prayer Night, led by Melissa Gray, at Grace Community Church. Women were healed, reconciled and encouraged as they heard the voice of the Father say, “I’ve missed you,” “I love you so much,” and “Come to me, and I will give you rest.” Perhaps prayer is the antidote for the negative images we sometimes portray.

If you are interested in learning more about prayer, I highly recommend The Prayer that Heals, by Francis McNutt. I have a few extra copies that I’d love to share with anyone who would like to read it. Just shoot me an email at Mcimma@mac.com, and I’d be happy to give you a copy.

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