Tim’s story

Tim is the kind of guy who is happy to talk to anyone. However, when it comes to praying for people in person, he’s not always on the front foot. He shared a recent experience with his neighbor that helped to change that...

I always bump into my neighbor when I’m taking the bins out. We’ll chat about lots of things, but often he’s complaining about his health. Recently, he shared about his chronic struggle with back and knee pain. He’s talked a lot about it before, and I’ve often thought, in the moment, that I should pray for him. But I’ve never been courageous enough to actually offer.

This time I offered – and he said, “No” – and he was quite firm about it. After reflecting on the moment, I’m fine with it because 3 great things happened.

Firstly, it opened up a spiritual conversation

where I learned more about what he’s experienced. He has a friend who does ‘Reiki’ style healing and shared an experience he had where his friend tried to heal him, and it wasn’t a great experience. Knowing this means I can approach him again in the future with sensitivity towards that.

Secondly, it encouraged me.

Stepping past my natural reservations broke the hesitancy that often holds me back, and now I feel more courageous to do it again.

Thirdly, it opened the door for him to see Jesus move.

Imagine if God actually answers the prayer. Then he’ll have undeniable proof that God has moved and that Jesus is real. That’s a conversation waiting to happen!

Praying in person rather than privately is a great way to invite them into the adventure of faith because it puts their skin in the game - especially if you’re praying for a physical breakthrough.

Sometimes we just have to jump in with both feet and see what happens. I think that’s called obedience. Offering to pray was a great way to show not just that I care, but also that God cares about him and his needs.