Thanks to all who prayed. And apologies it took so long for me to update here. For those interested in the details of the session mechanics/particulars, see below. For people who want just the update, here goes.
There were two folks who led me through an intercessary prayer session over a zoom call. They didn’t counsel, and they didn’t do healing nor verbally lead me through any kind of sequence nor ritual. I thought it might be more structured that way. What they did after getting to know me a little bit was pray silently, invited me to do the same and create space for the Holy Spirit to show. After a very brief time me waiting (maybe 10-20 seconds?), this happened.
In prayer, I see a room that’s pretty general and not special in any way. Jesus is there talking with me as two friends would.
Jesus: (in a curious way, wanting to understand/connect) “Why do you carry around those burdens? They seem very heavy.”
Me: “I have to – it’s how I show I’m worthy, right?”
Jesus: “Why would you want to carry them, when I can do that for you? I see you’re buckling under the weight.”
Me: “You would do that, for me?”
Jesus: “Don’t you know I would do that? I’ve asked before, several times, but you haven’t yet been willing to give them to me.”
Me: “Yeah, well… I am tired of carrying them. I can’t carry these any more. They’re too much for me. I’m sorry I haven’t been around much.”
Jesus: “I miss you when you’re not here. And I feel like I miss out when we don’t connect.”
Me: I see the pain in his eyes, and hear the hurt in his voice. Not judgment, not anger, not a king on a throne ready to crack the whip, but a friend sitting beside me, that I’ve ignored for a long, long time. fade to sobbing…
Are you freaking kidding me? God misses me. He wants to spend time with ME. He feels sad when I don’t connect with Him. Woah.
So yeah, I’m sobbing.
Shortly after, my feeling is the deep, deep satisfied feeling you get with a hot beverage wrapped in a fuzzy blanket, after being outside in the cold for a long time. Or, after being in the ocean (cooler water) for a long time, and letting the sun warm you. Simply the most content and relaxed feeling.
So here’s my crazy final takeaway from this – I can snuggle up close to God!! A month ago that would have sounded (completely) heretical to me. Yet there it is.
For those interested in the mechanics, I registered for a session at https://osltoday.org . There is no cost, and the process is pretty simple. There is no sermonizing, no requests for donations, just a simple virtual prayer room.
So glad to hear you experienced some healing, Dave. I can’t imagine how heavy a burden you’ve been carrying around for so long. Encouraged that you sought out healing from the Great Physician.
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