After running a few errands last Saturday, Steve and I stopped at Panera for soup, salad, and sandwich.
We’d been seated for a while when Steve said, “A few tables behind you are two young men, and the one facing this way is wearing a T-shirt that says, ASK ME FOR PRAYER. Great big block letters too. ”
“Interesting. ‘Haven’t seen that one before,” I commented.
“Do you suppose he means it?”
“It’s a bold statement; I’ll bet he does.”
When we’d finished our lunch, I headed to the cold drinks bar to refresh my tea; Steve headed to the table of the young man in the T-shirt.
(We never did exchange names, so I’ll call him Paul, because I can see the Apostle Paul wearing just such a shirt, if it were available in his day.)
By the time I reached their table, Steve had discovered Paul did indeed mean what was blazoned on his chest.
“I’d appreciate it if you’d put me on your prayer list,” Steve told him. “I’m facing some serious health problems right now.”
But Paul did not assure us that he would pray. Instead he said, “Let’s pray for you right now!”
He and his friend immediately stood up, laid their hands on Steve, and Paul prayed for him right in the middle of Panera—and very articulately.
With conviction he praised God for His power to heal every kind of disease and sickness. He thanked God for his compassion on those who suffer, and prayed for the Spirit to move in Steve’s body and restore him to health. Paul also prayed against the spiritual forces of evil that would try to attack–and all in the powerful name of Jesus.
We spoke for a few moments more, first thanking them for hitting the pause button on their lunch to minister to us. Steve told them he’d been a pastor for forty years; Paul said he was from Tennessee, just passing through Cincinnati.
On the way to our car Steve said, “That was the most genuine, thorough healing prayer I’ve heard in a long time.”
And it undoubtedly came from a righteous man. In just those few moments of contact we saw passion, sincerity, obedience to God, humility, and grace.
You might remember what God promised about the prayers of such a person:
I found myself wishing we’d asked Paul for his business card. Wouldn’t it be fun, perhaps a year from now or so, to share with Paul how God had answered every part of his prayer on behalf of Steve.
Then, I remembered. Eventually Paul will know, because:
- God knows everything (Isaiah 40:13-14).
- And since God and his Son are One (John 1:18), Jesus knows everything.
- And when Jesus returns, we’ll be like him (1 John 3:2), and then we will know everything too.
So, one day, “Paul” will realize the outcome of his prayer for that preacher named Steve, while he just happened to be in an out-of-state Panera restaurant, wearing his ASK-ME-TO-PRAY-FOR-YOU T-shirt.
* * * * * * * * * *
We praise you, O God, for your excellent deeds–like engineering delightful, specially designed events. What God is there in heaven or on earth who can do such marvelous and mighty works you do? We also praise you for your acts of power–like healing, because you are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.
(Deuteronomy 3:24; Psalm 77:14)
(Art & photo credits: http://www.flicker.com; http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.canva.com (2); http://www.maxpixel.net.)
From the Inside Out 
Thank you Nancy…what a powerful story, and meeting with Paul…to God be glory!
Praying for Steve, and for you!
Hugs,
John and Gail Paglialungo
Thank you so much for your prayers, Gail and John. Indeed, “To God be the glory-great things He hath done…And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son”–even in the middle of Panera!
A powerful witness! Praise The Lord!. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Janet. It WAS a powerfully special moment!
What a great story and interaction. I am sure God orchestrated this meeting for so many reasons. What a blessing
Couldn’t agree more that God orchestrated our meeting with Paul, and it was indeed a heart-thrilling blessing!
This made me cry. A tinge of conviction overcame me. Today, in the waiting room of the orthodontist office, I met a lady. We struck a conversation and quickly got to the topic of faith. After I listened to her heartwrenching story, I offered to pray, and for a second felt that I should do it right there… I put it off and offered instead to pray for her later, on my own. She was pleased and hugged me on the way out. … but the sense of not having followed all the way through with the Lord’s prompting haunted me all day. Now I am reading your blog post. I know that there is no condemnation … BUT … I traded in the greater blessing for a more comfortable one. “Lord, teach me to obey you, fully!”
AMEN, Heidi. I, too, have allowed opportunities to pass me by, foregoing the greater blessing. The “Paul” in Panera not only ministered by prayer, he ministered by example, reminding me to always be ready to serve. And like the Apostle Paul wrote, we can forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead (Philippians 3:13)–new opportunities for servant-hearted obedience!
Ok the first verse that came to mind was … do not be unaware that you may be entertaining angels.. it would not surprise me … I know that God provides all that we need and allows us to see His mighty hand.
What a wonderful way to assure you both that He is and will always be there for you both.. even at Panera.
You’re right, Zoey–that young man did seem like an angel sent by God to minister to us!
Nancy, stories like this remind me “He is the God who sees.” And hears. May Steve continue to sense God’s hand of healing thru this prayer from the Man in The T-shirt(maybe)Named Paul.
Praise God he DOES see every situation and hear every word we utter. There is such comfort, strength, and peace, just in knowing our Heavenly Father is an attentive God!
What a wonderful experience! Thank you so much for sharing it. It put a smile on my face just reading about it. It also reminded me that God works in surprising and unexpected ways! Praise God from whom ALL Blessings Flow!!!
So glad this story could put a smile on your face, Cheri. It sure put smiles on ours! Indeed, praise God from whom ALL blessings flow!
Wow!! What a beautiful example of God’s amazing grace!! I love this Nancy…nothing is too difficult for God! God bless that young man for being such an available vessel for God to work through!! ❤️
AMEN, Lisa! Nothing is too difficult for our God, including the situations our husbands face. I DO pray God’s blessing on “Paul”–particularly strength, wisdom, and discernment as he continues to minister in the name of Jesus. He’s quite the vessel, that’s for sure!
Nancy, what a beautiful story! It is indeed encouraging to hear that, in this day and age, there are people like Paul. He was not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ and willing to pray in public for you and Steve. God is certainly working through him. Thank you for sharing that beautiful story. Much love to you both.
Thank you, Ruth. “Paul” IS a special young man of God for the reasons you mentioned–and undoubtedly more. I’m looking forward to meeting him in heaven to find out his story!
Inspiring story! Trust that many prayers of healing for Steve will bring him healing. Thanks for sharing! God bless those young men and Steve in his battle.
Thank you, Samuel! Indeed, “God bless those young men” (and Steve, too)!
What a beautiful and encouraging story. I just found out today that a very dear friend of mine has lung cancer. I know that my Lord is sitting right beside her but I am not sure that she does.
Oh, may your friend sense God’s presence so strongly, she will respond to his invitation of salvation, restoration-of-relationship, and healing! May God give you wisdom and discernment, Francine, as you share with her about the Jesus we know: our Savior, Shepherd, and King!
What a surprising, holy, anointed encounter! I am happy to think of the Panera angel (makes me want to go there for lunch!). I am also thrilled yet again over the loving lengths God goes to to meet with us. Blessings on all three of you. Praying for you and Steve afresh on this Memorial Day.
Thank you, Laurie, for your blessing and prayer. I agree: Our God is incredibly creative and clever, how he manifests himself. Such moments are thrilling indeed!
Wow Nancy! I had chills reading this story and so glad that this young man followed through with the statement on his shirt. Think of you often, esp during morning prayers and was wondering how you both have been doing with Steve’s health issues. Continued prayers for you both.
Thank you VERY much for your prayers, Dave and Mecki. We keep plugging along with the doctor appointments and tests. Pending a few more, Steve will be put on the transplant list!
Hi Nancy,
May the Lord give Paul more open doors, and us, too. I love how the Lord puts the right people in the right places right on time. Praying for Steve right now.
Amen.
Thank you VERY much for your prayers, Gary. I too love how God orchestrates these special moments, clearly indicating his attentiveness over us. Pure delight!
Yes, it strengthens our faith for tougher times ahead.
My prayers don’t seem pretty, but they are heartfelt. I do pray for Steve and I thank you for sharing this mighty story.
Praise God he doesn’t require pretty prayers! Heartfelt is all he cares about. Thank you, Mary Jo for lifting up Steve. We are SO grateful for the prayer support that keeps us strong and surrounded in peace.
Beautiful!!!
Smiling! 🙂
Thank you, Gail!
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