The power of prayer in moments of distress

I realized that prayer is not only powerful in our waking moments but also in our deep slumber — beyond the state of normal deep sleep. My son and his wife invited me to visit them in Manila last week after they bought a new house in Alabang. I took the last flight, hence, I arrived late in their place. My son and my daughter-in-law didn’t talk long because the following day was a working day.

I didn’t know why I felt uncomfortable in the guest room. Then I noticed that a strange wave of air engulfed me and a kind of fear immersed within me. I closed my eyes and covered myself with the comforter, but fear didn’t leave me. I kept praying the “Our Father” while I was feeling this way. After a few minutes, I felt as if I was being choked. So I forced myself to get up and walked out of the room. The master's  bedroom was just across the guest room. I called my son, but it seemed he couldn’t hear me. The more I became frightened. I tried to recall the prayer that my sister taught me in casting out evil spirits. But I couldn't remember whole prayer. So, I just continued praying the “Our Father.” The next thing I knew  it was already morning.

I told my son and my daughter-in-law about my weird experience. My daughter-in-law said that maybe I was so deep, deep in my sleep. She told me that sometimes she has the same experience. I told her that what bothered me most was that I felt that I left my body in bed during that strange experience. However, whatever it was, the four nights that followed  I slept like a log.

Some relatives whom I have shared my story with believe that it was a nightmare or it was “bangungot.” Whatever it was I am thankful to God on how He protected me in those moments.

The “all about prayer.com” declares that the power of prayer has overcome enemies (Psalm 6:9-10), conquered death (2King 4:3-36), brought healing (James 5:14-17), and defeated demons (Mark 9:29). God through prayer opens eyes, changes hearts, heal wounds, and grants wisdom.

Prayer is not only a great protector from all dangers but it also is a great  healer of illnesses and diseases. Larry Dossey of “Theosophical Digest 4th Quarter 2004,” writes, “It was during residency training at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, Texas, when I had my first patient  with terminal cancer in both lungs.”  I advised him on what therapy was available and what little I thought it would do. Rightly enough, he opted for no treatment. Yet, whenever I stopped by his hospital bedside, he was surrounded by visitors from his church, singing and praying. “Good thing, I thought, because soon they’ll be singing and praying at his funeral.” A year later, I couldn’t believe he was still alive. I studied his chest X-rays and was stunned. The man’s lungs were completely clear-  there was no sign of cancer.  “His therapy has been remarkable, “ the radiologist said, looking over my shoulder. “Therapy,” I thought. There was not any – unless you consider prayer.”

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