The Courage to Pray

Brace yourself — and feel the thrill

More and more, these days, it takes courage to be overt in one’s profession of faith.

I remember the trepidation I felt as I examined my patients and braced myself to witness to them and offer to pray with them. No matter how often one does it, there is usually some resistance in one’s spirit. We have an enemy who tries to discourage us. But when we are obedient, ther’s nothing to touch the thrill in one’s spirit as you feel the approval of God.

Looking for clues. Seeking guidance.

Sometimes, while I examined my patients and told them what to expect the following day — the day of their surgery — I’d look for clues about their spiritual journey. If I saw a Bible or devotional on their bedside table, I knew I could talk to them about my experience of the way God comes through when we pray.

Often, though, there were few clues, even in the conversation. Then I’d have to rely on the Holy Spirit, and my own courage. As a general rule (which I admit, I broke on occasions), I’d offer to pray with them unless I felt a strong sense that I shouldn’t. For example, one of my patients told me she was a witch. I prayed for her, but it would have been unwise to offer to pray with her.

The macho man; steeling myself to obey

Part of the adventure of the Christian life is in the joy of obedience in the face of the enemy’s opposition. Sometimes I’d have to steel myself to be obedient. I remember seeing a real macho man on my premed round. He had a Men’s Health magazine beside him and was abrupt in his manner, answering all my medical questions in monosyllables. Still, I felt no check in my spirit about praying with him, although I wasn’t sure how he’d respond. With my heart racing a little, I said, “I’m a committed Christian and I’ve seen how faithful God is in responding to us when we invite Him to be involved in what’s happening to us. I’d love to say a prayer with you if you would like me to.”

He nodded curtly and said, “‘Kay.”

As I left, I felt the usual thrill in my spirit for taking the plunge, but I wondered what his inner response was.

The following day I visited him. He was a completely different man. He greeted me cheerily as I entered and shook my hand warmly. “Dr Walker, thank you so much for praying with me. You’ve no idea what that meant. I went into my operation completely at peace and am feeling so good.”

It was obvious, now that his monosyllabic stance beforehand was not surliness, but terror at being in hospital and facing an operation.

I left with a spring in my step.

Be encouraged. God is with you

I don’t think there’s anything that pleases God more than one of His children expressing His love to someone who is fearful. And what better way than to offer to pray with them. The Bible tells us that His perfect love drives out fear. Be assured, God is with you and you will be blessed.