Several weeks ago, my brothers and sister and I had a day to celebrate Christmas with Mom and Dad. It was the first time since the mid-1970’s that it was just our family of origin. Usually there are in-laws and grandchildren (and now great-grandchildren) who also join us. Without them, it was quiet and low-key.
Before we ate together, Dad asked Mom if she would like to say the blessing. She agreed and said a most beautiful, heartfelt prayer. Every sentence was complete and connected. Her thought processes may get mixed up when dealing with the daily, mundane details of life, but not when she talks to her Lord.
As we held hands and prayed together, I couldn’t help wondering if this was the last time the six of us would gather around the table. Each holiday I wonder how the upcoming year will change our family dynamic. It’s not just that Mom and Dad are getting older, but we all know that it only takes a moment for life to change for any of us. None of us are guaranteed another year or even another day. As Mom was praying, I was, too.
Last year was hard on our family. Mom’s fall and broken bone changed all of us. There were also difficulties that surfaced within the James Gang (the nickname of the family Michael and I started) and tough situations that impacted our family. Some days it was hard to take a deep breath. There were days that I had agony too deep for words. I am grateful to Paul for writing of just a situation in his letter to the Romans:
A similar thing happens when we pray. We are weak and do not know how to pray, so the Spirit steps in and articulates prayers for us with groaning too profound for words. Romans 8:26 The Compass Bible
Some translations use the verb “intercedes” when describing the Holy Spirit’s prayers for us. Intercession happens when we can’t do it ourselves. The only way I can begin to understand that is knowing how my mother has prayed for me. She interceded on my behalf before I was old enough to pray. She sought the Lord on my behalf when I was too brokenhearted or hurt to pray.
Now it is my turn. Although she can pray with great eloquence and is connected to the Lord in a very special way, I still bring her before the Lord with prayers for peace and rest and comfort. Many days she is in a place where I cannot connect to her, but I know she can always connect to God. I believe without a doubt what Paul said later in the same chapter. To me, these are some of the most comforting words in scripture:
So who can separate us? What can come between us and the love of God’s Anointed? Can troubles, hardships, persecution, hunger, poverty, danger or even death?…For I have every confidence that nothing – not death, life, heavenly messengers, dark spirits, the present, the future, spiritual powers, height, depth, nor any created thing – can come between us and the love of God revealed in the Anointed, Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35 & 37
On days that she is far from me because of this devastating disease, I know nothing has diminished her love and connection to God. Her prayers still resonate with Him.
As a postscript, I want to honor a precious friend who went home today. Barbara Johnson was a precious friend and encourager to many of us. I’m a bit jealous that she’s already in the Father’s presence. I am grateful for her life and her influence on my world.
