Lake Deaton at Home

Writer’s Name: Jocelyn Dunstan

Writer’s Ministry: Saturday Lead Usher

Scripture: Zephaniah 3:14-17

As part of Grow Night classes this fall, I signed up for the Healing Prayer Class.  Sometimes I usher with the teacher, Nancy Wilson.  Because I know Nancy, I wanted to take her class, even though I was not sure it was meant for me.

In class one day, Nancy asked the students to think about and note areas of our lives that needed healing. As I wrote, I’m sure Nancy could see I was troubled. I told her that during the isolation of Covid, I had turned into a mouse–unspeakably timid, almost invisible. Interacting with groups had become excruciating for me.

Recently, though, I had felt the Holy Spirit drawing me closer, encouraging me. I had even committed to filling in for my small group leader for an entire month. I knew I could do the required tasks, but fear taunted me.

When Nancy asked if I would allow the class to pray for me, I gave her permission. They placed their hands on me and invited the Holy Spirit. I closed my eyes and asked Jesus to let me see him.  His presence was beyond beautiful! He smiled at me and reached out loving hands to hold mine.  He assured me that he would be beside me every step of the way and that I did not need to fear.  A feeling of love, relief, and peace flowed throughout my body.  As their prayers concluded, I was conscious of a burden, like a heavy weight or a great pulse of energy, moving out from the right upper quadrant of my body.  It was real.

After class, I stopped outside and thanked God for what had just happened.  On my way home, the song on the car radio was “Fear No More” by Building 429.  That night, I enjoyed deep and dreamless sleep, like being held in the arms of Jesus.

Daily Prayer:  O Mighty Lord, in this holy season, let us have no fear.  Let us rejoice with all our hearts as we prepare for the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.   Amen.