June 17, 2014

Reflections

Has anyone ever told you they prayed over you? Not just an expressed “I’m praying for you,“ but a physical “I pray over you.” My mind breathes in the power of that thought and paints this page with a picture.

I imagine a tapestry of angels, wings golden, faces mixing earnestness with joy, who complete an unbreakable circle around me. Full center inside, the Savior, Jesus, kneels bent with arms hovered over my crumpled, traveled body. He has but one abundant desire: to cover me with His body and heal my tired soul. Prayers go up in power, absorbing every morsel of weary weakness. Promises wisp in the air around as an unsurpassed blanket of nurture envelops the helpless. “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:29, 30).

Legions of angels, and prayers upon more prayers, fill the scene as Jesus cradles my body in His arms, my face tightly nestled near His heart. In that place I listen to the strength of my Savior’s heartbeat. What a comfort to hear my Savior’s heartbeat mixing with His prayerful voice. There is just none like Him. “Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed” (Ps. 57:1). The might of my Savior holds me for hours, every one of His summoned angels praying and ushering peace.

Heaven’s team is praying over me. The broken pieces of my sandals give way and fall from my feet as Jesus releases the shoulder straps of my life’s tote bag and takes it as His own. Tears plunge from my eyes and pass to the holes in His hands as He mercifully wipes them away. The gentle voice of my Savior speaks prayers upon my ears: “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me” (Isa. 49:16). I finally raise my head to gaze around me, this powerful wall of prayer still surrounding me in an unbreakable circle. I never want to leave such protection, such peace. Every worry becomes worthless, every earthly need unnecessary. I have never known such release.

Jesus rocks me gently, stroking my cheeks, and infusing me with immeasurable comfort. “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isa. 40:31). At once, all the angels explode in praise of passion and celebration as the circle opens, allowing Jesus to pass through with me. He stands, tightening His cradling arms on me still, and we set forth together. He’s fully leading me on the path, promising hope to me with every step. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Num. 6:24-26).

If you have wondered if anyone has ever prayed over you, know that an entire army of angels and the powerful heartbeat of a praying Savior rally around you. “And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day” (John 6:39).

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