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Therese opened the door and tossed her keys onto the table. Disappointment consumed her. She had sat through church enjoying the presence of God only to feel empty the moment the final hymn was sung.
“Where are you, God?”
Recovering from a marriage separation, she found it daunting living on her own after six years. Therese had asked a few women from church to pray with her and although they were all nice enough, they merely promised to pray for her. She’d never been able to really pray; not intimately with God.
“God, I wish I knew how to talk to you. I mean really talk. You seem so far away.”
The email indicator flashed on Therese’s monitor moments after she turned on her laptop. She checked through the sender’s names until her eyes fixed on one she recognized from church.
Dear Therese,
I overheard you asking for prayer today. I’m sorry I couldn’t stop to talk. Sally needed her bottle and Lisa needed a nap. I looked up your email details in the church directory and I’d like to pray with you. Will tomorrow be OK? My sister is minding the girls for a few hours and I can drop by between appointments. One of my friends said you’ve also been asking how to spend time with God. Below is a twelve step prayer plan I use to keep focused. I will share more with you when I see you.
Love, Marjorie.
Therese remembered the petite woman with the gorgeous little babies. Marjorie had dropped off a casserole when she first moved into the tiny unit. She had been very nice and didn’t seem put out at all. Actually, she was the only one who did more than just offer to help in some way.
She continued to read the “Steps to Prayer,” finishing with a smile forming on her lips.
“Thank you, Lord,” Therese whispered, after she had absorbed every word. She scrolled back up to the top and hit the reply icon.
Dear Marjorie,
A lot of people have offered to pray for me but you are the first to offer to pray with me and this is something I need most. Your "Twelve Step Prayer Plan" looks challenging but I’d love to give it a go. My prayer life is a virtual zilch. I believe that is the reason why I’ve struggled in my emotional recovery. I’ve read about people who have an intimate relationship with God through prayer, but I haven’t known where to start.
I’m on the late shift at the hospital tomorrow, so the morning would suit me better; perhaps ten o’clock, if that works for you. Thank you. I await your answer.
Love, Therese.
Marjorie arrived on schedule. “Therese, how are you... really?”
“Not good,” she admitted. “It all still seems surreal.”
For the first time since she walked out of her abusive marriage, Therese was able to share her story. A weight was lifted from her heavy heart as Marjorie put her arm around her shoulder and prayed. Marjorie encouraged Therese to pray, too, and after a faltering start, she released her plea to her Father.
Before Marjorie left, she explained the twelve prayer steps to follow, which would introduce Therese to an intimate daily hour with God.
“Can we do this again?” Therese inquired, opening the door for Marjorie.
“Would you like to make this a weekly get-together?”
Therese was delighted. “Oh, please. Yes.”
Therese entered the vestibule the following Sunday with her usual anticipation to worship with her church family. But, today was different; she brought with her a new joy within her spirit and a more positive attitude. She also knew that this new presence would still be there after the last hymn was sung.
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Editor’s note: Information on the twelve step prayer plan can be obtained by contacting the author by Private Messenger or email.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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