The Power of Prayer

I gazed at the mountain,

A haven of peace,

Yet hope seemed illusive

As troubles increased.

My body was weary

From writhing, from strain,

The fits of convulsion

Left me in such pain.

A “something” within me

Had been in control,

Its presence had certainly

Taken its toll.

One day I awoke

To find faces of men

Hovering o’er me

And praying again.

Oh, why did they do this?

It had no effect!

Yet father implored them

To cure my defect.

“Bring him to Me!”

Someone mouthed a command.

His eyes held mine captive;

I reached for His hand.

Instantly, my soul

Exploded with rage,

Seething as never

Before in my cage.

Voices within me

And voices without,

Growling, snarling,

Leaping about.

More powerful still

Were His words so plain,

“I command you, come out.

Do not enter again.”

Its grasp began slipping

From sinew, from bone.

With one final spasm,

‘Twas gone.  I was stone.

A hush… Silence…

Completely at rest.

So fully content,

So incredibly blessed!

Aware of His presence

My hope had returned.

My life in His wholeness

Was all that I yearned.

Then feeling His almighty

Life-giving hand

Clasp firmly in mine,

He drew me to stand.

Such strength to cast demons!

His pow’r came from where?

‘Twas my Lord, with His Father,

Communing in prayer!

~ae   08/30/2000

... read Mark 9:17-29