I remember a time while at Methodist Hospital in Rochester awaiting word on the surgical outcome of our daughter, my husband and I decided to get a bite to eat. The food court was especially crowded, but a couple about our age invited us to sit with them at their table. We lunched and chatted together. The woman, a pleasant woman with a friendly smile, was to have a mastectomy the following day.
We could sense their concern and trepidation, and although, we had not spoken of spiritual matters, my husband asked if we could pray with them. They agreed.
Burt prayed for a successful surgery, a speedy recovery, and that they both would sense the presence of the Lord in a very real way. They thanked us as we said our goodbyes and left.
Two weeks later –
As we waited in the patient waiting area for our daughter to get checked in for her appointment, a lady approached me. I looked up to a pleasant-looking woman with a friendly smile. The same woman we had prayed for two weeks prior!
For a brief moment, we talked like two old friends. We marveled at the preposterous odds that we would ever run into each other again. A few brief moments. Then she said, “My surgery went very well and I am so thankful for your prayers. My husband and I were so touched that you took time to pray…”
Just then, our daughter’s name was called for her appointment. I exchanged a quick good-bye and hug with the woman and followed our daughter in for her follow-up visit with the surgeon. (Our daughter had a good report from the surgeon, but he cautioned her that her journey with ovarian cancer was not over.)
Later, as I contemplated meeting the woman with the friendly smile whom my husband had prayed for and the unlikely chance of our two paths crossing again, I recognized that God’s hand was directing our ‘chance’ meeting – a meeting that encouraged one woman to the impact prayer has on another person, and the assurance for another woman that God cares and hears us when we pray.
I believe that if any of us is ever presented with an opportunity to pray for another – whether it be in a crowded room or in a one-on-one private situation, whether it be with friend or stranger, we should make good use of the time, and recognize that it as an unexpected gift.