Circle of Prayer

It was so sudden. Surely this could not be happening. Our daughter, Jenny, having brain surgery? A benign tumor?! How can a tumor be benign?! The infection surrounding it was massive, eroding part of her skull; and spinal fluid was leaking out of her nose and ear. Meningitis or even encephalitis were of grave concern. I simply could not comprehend that our beautiful daughter's brain, protected by merely a thin membrane, was exposed to the air.

Due to my own health problems, I could not make the trip to the University of Virginia for Jenny's first surgery. The prognosis was grim. No one could say how bad it was. Jenny could die in surgery, and I would not be there to hold her and say good-bye. My faithful friend, Donna*, came to stay with me, as our youngest daughter, Helen, and my husband Louie drove the five hours to Charlottesville, Virginia, to keep vigil.

Jenny and I spoke on the phone. She was so vivacious and sweet. Her faith was unshaken and contagious, and though my heart stormed over this terrible crisis, I knew that she was in the hands of the God whom I trust.

Before my husband and daughter left for the hospital, we prayed together. Later, Donna and I prayed and talked. I wept at the thought of the loss of my child. My husband and I were prepared for the worst. Should Jenny not make it through surgery, he would come for me immediately. I dreaded the thought of that trip.

But this was no time for tears. I immediately, began emailing everyone in my address book whom I knew believed in the power of prayer. It turned out to be quite a few. Those who received my email sent the prayer request to everyone in their address book. I also contacted ezine publishers who sent out special prayer requests. In moments, an incredible circle of prayer raced around the world. People from Africa, Australia, Canada, Asia, the Middle East – thousands of people of every faith and nation were praying for Jenny.

I began to receive emails from people I did not know, containing prayers, blessings, and words of comfort. I had never experienced such an outpouring of faith and love. Jenny became every man's daughter and every woman's child. As I heard from my husband in Charlottesville, I emailed updates from our little rural community in southwestern Virginia. As people took our family into their hearts, my wall of fear fell down.

Towards morning, it was a happy, thankful Mom, who was able to send forth the news that the first operation had been successful, and Jenny was alive and well. I found delight in sending the good news to everyone. I believe that our prayers were music to God's ears. For just a brief moment, I felt the beating of His heart, as He answered the prayers of thousands of souls who turned to Him for our sake.

And thanks to the global reach of the internet, I now understand that there are caring souls out there, connected through Him and to one another in love.

*not her real name

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