“Then Sings My Soul – My Savior God to Thee”

I am beautifully joyfully exhausted. Praise the Lord. That means this round of spiritual battle is coming to an end. It was such a violent battle this time that I searched for 30 minutes last night trying to find an image of the devil beating up or punching someone. As I was just typing “Don’t ask me why”, the Lord laid on my heart – “You know why”. Suddenly I did. The fact that I could not find one speaks volumes, but in a “language” that I could not write with any coherency.

So what weapons delivered the final blow – Prayers, smiles, hugs, and prayers. I am pretty certain that my special prayer warrior had been praying for me again which began the final “siege” as I was feeling better before I left for Alpha.

I thought the battle was turning back to the devil again because when I arrived at Church for Alpha, I realized I had left my entire purse at home. I felt I had no choice but to go back and get it which meant I would miss the Team meeting. Plus I just KNEW I would not make it back in time for dinner since it was rush hour. I was so hungry as I have switched my fast days to Tue, Thu, and Sat so I can partake of Ms. Carla’s delicious food on Wednesday nights (plus, I try to mingle with the guests to get to know those for whom I am praying). To my utter amazement, I made it home and back in less than an hour. I thanked God, but little did I know at the time that He had taken charge of the battle and was in full attack mode LOL.

I walked into Church and people were acting so pleased to see me. Smiles and hugs like I had never received before. People saying they actually missed me at the meeting. People who I did not think even knew I existed. People calling me by my name. Then I looked up and saw the person who exudes Jesus in everything he does walking around, greeting the guests and flashing them “that” smile. That smile that when you see it, even when it is not directed at you, reminds you that God loves us and that everything is going to be okay.

The devil was not defeated yet and was battling back hard. I went into the Nave to prepare for prayer. My friend and co-pray-er walked in and immediately sensed something was wrong. I tried to say we didn’t have time to talk about it, but then I realized that she is such a caring person, she would not be focused on the prayers for worrying about me. So, I intended to tell her just a snippet, but it went on much longer. We were late starting our prayers. Once again, God took control and sent the Alpha Leader into the Church to give me another prayer request. That was the ammunition that loaded the gun for the final battle (this round).

I always feel somewhat better after praying, period. Praying for specific intentions of others, always gives a peace that cannot be explained. BUT, I had never before experienced praying for others to pray. That was the topic tonight – Why and How Should I Pray?

I was the one who organized the prayers for the night, choosing which prayers we would pray, writing the meditations, and even composing one of the prayers. Yet, as we began praying, there was a power in those prayers unlike anything I had ever felt before – especially “Teach Me to Pray” by Albert Simpson Reitz. When we reached the meditations for the Rosary, it was like I had never read them much less wrote them. Both of us seemed to be so focused and overcome by the prayers.

When we finished, 4 of the team members came through to thank us with 2 of them specifically for that purpose. They indicated they truly felt them. They were sincere in their gratitude. 1 said it was a great night.

I was going to attend the training session that immediately followed Alpha tonight. I headed into the room. Made some niceties and sat down for the training. I suddenly realized how exhausted I was. Then I realized how at peace I was. My joy had returned in spades. I knew this battle had been won. I thought – there is no way I am taking a chance on staying and being too tired and wind up being late for Adoration. I made my excuses and headed out. I smiled all the way home and could not wait to share.

Prayer is a wonderful necessity. Humble prayer brings great Graces. Praying for others results in gifts for both you and them. All wonderful blessings.

But, dedicated prayers for others to pray is apparently the ultimate weapon in the midst of the most severest of spiritual battles.