One of the recurring issues I’ve pondered during my walk with God is whether He actually cares about the little things in my life. Those big issues—like the need for a job, or the sale of a house, or a death in the family—no problem, of course I should bring these before God.

But what about the sore back I’ve endured for years, my insomnia, the relationship with my mother-in-law that’s just not quite what I wish it was, or the sad memories I sometimes revisit over a past tragedy? Does God care? Should I bring these before Him in prayer?

When I turn to Scripture, the answer is a resounding YES! It’s clear that God is sovereign over all areas of my life, that He is a compassionate God who desires wholeness in all areas of my life, and that there is nothing I should hesitate to bring before Him.

But would I actually go to a healing prayer service, and ask other people to pray for one of my “little” things? Isn’t healing prayer just for people who have big, life-changing situations, like sick children, or people in the midst of divorce, or people who were abused in their childhood? I don’t need prayer for any of those things (thankfully), but what about those smaller issues in my life?

So I met with members of Bethany’s healing prayer ministry last year, over a memory that continued to cause me pain, years after it had happened. When I recalled that memory, there in the presence of those praying with me, my throat constricted, my eyes watered, my body tensed, and I realized the bondage I was under. God undoubtedly wanted to heal me there, in that seemingly-small situation, just as much as He wanted to heal my huge pain when my brother died.

And He did. In the midst of those prayers and petitions on my behalf, God brought about a new peace and forgiveness, a peace I even experienced in my physical body, and I felt the joy of knowing His love for me through that healing prayer.

Healing prayer is an opportunity to bring others into the presence of Christ and to ask Him to touch them in some way, big or little. I bring to mind the picture of the people who lowered their paralyzed friend through a rooftop to place him in front of Jesus, the healer. And that is what happens in Bethany’s healing prayer ministry—people are brought before Jesus, the healer, in a safe and comfortable environment, where they can experience His peace, love, and transforming power. Big or little.

Brochures are on the table in the lobby. For an appointment, call 284-2222, ext 35 and leave your name and number. A member of the healing prayer ministry team will contact you to set up a prayer time.