In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. Romans 8:26-27
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you.” John 16:12-14
Years ago my husband and I were getting ready to go out on a date night for Valentine’s Day. Our son, Nathan, was around 3 years old. Typically, my parents had always kept our son so we could have an occasional evening or day out. But they lived about 30 minutes away.
In the last few months, we had two different high school girls from church come and babysit Nathan somewhat on a trial basis.
This particular evening was the first time we were going to a local restaurant for a date night and were using one of the girls to babysit.
Days before I had felt the prodding of the Holy Spirit to contact a friend from college. I hadn’t spoken to this male friend in many years. In fact, we somewhat parted ways. That’s a story for another time. But I had distinctly heard God’s voice instruct me to “call Davey”. I tried, but he had moved. The only phone # I had for him was his parents. Back then, cell phones hadn’t even been thought of!
I had called his parents house and left a voicemail on their answering machine. His mother returned my call about an hour before my husband and I were supposed to leave for our Valentine’s date night. She was cordial, and we exchanged pleasantries. But she said, “Laura, I’m so glad you called. Please reach out to Davey.” I could tell from her voice it wasn’t good.
My husband and I were still in the process of getting ready for a nice evening out. I was double checking lists, food and everything else was in order for the somewhat new teen babysitter. She arrived, and I gave her instructions. Shortly afterwards she engaged our toddler son, Nathan, and played with him.
Norman and I were ready to walk out the door, when the phone rang. It was Davey. I guess his mom called him and let him know I was trying to reach him.
I don’t remember how we started, but his next words to me were, “Laura, I can’t believe your timing in calling me. My wife walked out on me yesterday. The day before Valentine’s Day. She wants a divorce.”
I was shocked and flabbergasted. Never in my wildest dreams did I anticipate something like this. I motioned to my husband, so he would know; he had already sensed there was something major going on. Davey and I were on the phone over an hour. Norman patiently waited. I tried to listen and be an encouragement to my friend who was hurting.
Another scenario:
This morning as I was having my quiet time and praying, I opened my prayer journal. I have it divided into family, friends, healing, prodigals, widows/widowers, salvations, etc. And notes/reminders/details out beside each so I know what specifics to bring before the Lord. You get the picture.
As I got to the “widows/widowers” section, I surveyed and somewhat scanned the list. There are so many, and it’s growing. I don’t pray for each one daily; I take turns and try to pray over 5-6 and rotate. But today, I distinctly heard, “pray for Sally”. The voice was clear and unmistakable, so I prayed for her. I thought that was unusual, but I tried to be obedient. I spent much time lifting Sally before the Lord, knowing she was a year older than me and had lost her precious husband to cancer.
Hours later, I was coming out of a workout and had just gotten to my car. I sat a minute in my vehicle to catch my breath and drink some water before driving home. I answered a text from a dear friend and “just happened” to open Facebook. I hadn’t wasted time on social media in days. There I saw a post from my friend, Sally. It was the 1-year anniversary of her precious husband’s home going to heaven!
One more scenario:
A few days ago, I texted Candie, my prayer partner in a ministry we are both involved with. We exchanged prayer requests two months ago. But today I asked her to bear down in prayer for someone in my family. I didn’t give her the specifics, but I did tell her this family member had hardened his heart and was not listening to the Holy Spirit. She texted back immediately and shared that she woke up with my family member on her heart. Even upon rising, God had reminded her to pray for him by name.
I can’t tell you the encouragement that brought me!
None of these incidences are coincidences, my friends. A former pastor used to say, “There are no coincidences with God.” And I concur.
God, through His Holy Spirit, does this kind of prompting and revealing of truth. There are many more examples I could’ve shared.
I’m thankful for a God who is so loving and compassionate that he burdens the hearts of others and binds us together through prayer. What a comfort and encouragement to know that each of us (as well as the burdens on our heart) are that important to Him!
I’d love to hear some of your scenarios and how God has prompted you to pray for a friend or loved one at just the right time. Or orchestrated events where you knew it was Him.
