Two-Fer
This morning, I’m writing a two-fer. Two messages for the price of one admission.
The first message started when I had to run an errand this morning. I used to keep my radio tuned exclusively to a pop music station. Occasionally, a new song would come out and the DJ would interview the artist and usually the question was asked regarding the inspiration for the song. For example, the artist may answer that it was based on unrequited love - blah, blah, blah. I can’t even come up with an example without tuning out.
For about a year now, I have my radio tuned exclusively to a Christian station. The DJ was interviewing Matthew West about his new song, “Don’t Stop Praying.”. He told the story of finishing a performance when a fan came up to him and asked him to pray for her. She explained that she had a wonderful time at the concert but was going in for breast cancer surgery the next day. It touched Mr. West so much that he stopped what he was doing and prayed with her. I can easily relay this story without tuning out. I couldn’t tell you what Mr. West looks like (no disrespect intended Mr. West. I appreciate your music but I have no idea what you look like) but I’ll remember this story for a very long time.
“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” - James 5:13-16
Now we come to the bonus message part. I have, for a long time, commiserated with people by offering to pray for them. Sometimes I’d follow through. Other times, I must admit, I’d forget. About a year or two ago, I resolved to follow through with my offer to pray for someone every time. Why? Because of the above passage. Am I perfect? No, but I’m much better than I used to be.
This morning, I heard Mr. West, an artist who just finished a what I imagine to be an energetic performance, relay his story. I started remembering those times when I prepared for a presentation, say to the board of directors. There was a good deal of preparation getting the presentation ready and then practicing it before it is given. Then there is some anxiety of the presentation to make sure I convey all the things I intended and making myself available for whatever questions that may arise (don’t kid yourself, Board members ask surprising good questions so you have to have a wide variety of info at your command). After that, there is a certain amount of social interaction (for them to judge whether you are a trustworthy presenter I’ve always assumed). Applying this procedure to Mr. West’s performance, I imagine the last thing he expected upon leaving the performance was to stop his preplanned effort, tuning everyone else out, and praying with this woman.
His example gives me something to strive for.
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” - 1 Timothy 2:1-4 ESV
