Last Friday, I had the privilege of praying with strangers. We were all in the church office lobby, needing something. One woman was there to pick up a box of food from our food bank, but she had other needs than just physical. She was hungry, yes, but her soul needed nourishing too. She was broken by abusive and neglectful relationships, and what she had turned to in crisis rather than to God. She grew up going to church, but she had forgotten who truly loved her. The other woman was there, looking for someone her family could trust if their car broke down. Her family was on vacation in our town, and their car was having trouble and the water line at the vacation rental home had busted. They were at least 3 hours away from home (in another state), and did not know anyone here. She saw my car in the parking lot, and hoped that I could help. She was looking for anyone's number, in case they ended up stranded. I gave her my husband's card, and also another church member who has often helped with that kind of situation before. (We have some awfully generous and helpful church members)
The first woman told us a bit about her life. Her situation sounded desperate, and she sounded like she was losing hope. The other woman was full of hope and grace, and the love of God, She asked if she could pray for the other woman, and we gathered and prayed right there. The children of the second woman had entered the building now, and I imagine they were praying with us. They may not have understood what was going on, but they knew not to interrupt. Their mother prayed over this woman, and my ministry to them. Afterwards, we all went our separate ways. I thanked her for doing that, but she just said "It wasn't me!"
Hebrews 13:2 (English Standard Version)
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
3 John 1:4-6 (ESV)
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God.
1 Corinthians 2:3-5 (ESV)
And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men[a] but in the power of God.
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