On this Thanksgiving Day, my husband and daughter experienced first hand the beauty and power of prayer.
Both were working, prepping breakfast for the hotel guests. My daughter, Abigail, went to take out the trash and noticed a woman fall suddenly on the floor in the lobby. Immediately, a guest surrounded the woman and the front desk clerk called an ambulance. Abigail ran back into the kitchen and told my husband, Michael, what happened. She took over the kitchen duties while Michael ran out to help.
Michael kneeled beside the woman who lay unconscious on the floor. The hotel guest grabbed the woman’s hand and began to pray out loud. Michael, bowing his head in agreement, held the woman’s other hand between his two palms.
Before the word “Amen” was uttered, the woman came to and told them her name was Sandy.
With both her hands being held by these total strangers, the prayer continued until EMS arrived.
About 15 minutes after EMS departed, a man came into the kitchen and asked Michael if he was okay, then he prayed over him.
Michael asked the man if he was a pastor. The man replied with a smile, “I am not, but I have a pastor’s heart.”
We should all have a pastor’s heart.
When Michael told me what happened, he could barely keep the tears from falling. Seeing first hand the power of prayer affected him deeply and for someone who struggles with faith, this experience was eye opening for him.
And for that, I am truly grateful.
Raelyn Pracht 