Umbrella of Prayers

It was early this morning, July 6, 2019, deliciously sandwiched between sleep and awake, I slipped into a vivid dream state that was clearly related to the passing of my Aunt Adelaide just two days previous. I had to get up and write this so I would not forget this odd experience/vision/instruction, but first a little background on how this precious event unfolded.

Our RV travels always included a stop to see Aunt Adelaide in Hutchinson KS; every trip she could count that we would route our comings and goings for a visit. In 2011, we returned from a lengthy trip that had left us with deep sadness and heavy hearts. Perceptive and sharp as a tack, Aunt Adelaide queried as to the cause. Listening quietly to my heartfelt words, she sat still as a church mouse, except for her right hand that belied her inner quiet as she absorbed our words. You could see her mind whirling in motion through those fingertips that smoothed in sweeping circles on the padded cloth armchair. It was almost hypnotic to watch her absorbing what she heard, thinking, drawing from vast wisdom and deep life experiences.

Sensing the right moment, Aunt Adelaide shared her deepest, heartfelt wisdom in the form of her daily “go-to prayers” from Philippians chapter 4. She explained this prayer gave her daily comfort and peace, but especially so when life spiraled out of control, and in times of great anguish when she was at a loss to know what to do. “Ask for help,” she said, closing her eyes, her face was then transported to another realm, her beautiful voice reciting from well-polished memory these immortal words: “Do not be anxious about anything. In everything, through prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:6,12,13 NIV)

Hearing these words, I was covered with thrilling goosebumps— some call “The Witnessing” when you know something very special has just transpired. Letting the power of those words soak into our heavy hearts, I vowed to memorize them and use them!  I could see how they had worked in her life. I wanted this in mine. Continuing with her story, she explained that every single day of their lives, her parents and grandparents had prayed for Aunt Adelaide and her little sister, my mother, Dorothy. To Aunt Adelaide, she said it always felt as if she was covered under this beautiful umbrella, knowing each day she was protected with prayers from her family who loved her so much; she felt it in her bones, and knew how deeply they loved her. In turn, Aunt Adelaide prayed for all her family, and her loved ones, which, she emphasized, included me and my family. 

When my mother passed, I felt an odd, spiritual disconnect; it was very unsettling. I had lived my entire life with that unique connection to my mother, and suddenly it disappeared. But, I knew Aunt Adelaide was still covering us with her prayers. Then, July 6, 2019, awakening with the realization of losing both my mother and her sister, like a small child, I wailed to God, “But, who will pray for ME now?” Then suddenly, they appeared: the Prayer Bees! Zooming out from under this huge umbrella, shimmering and gleaming silver, carrying bags of prayers that spilled like pollen grains falling onto flowers — except these were people having all this beautiful silver dust falling on their heads and shoulders. My Aunt smiled and handed me the umbrella, indicating that it’s my turn to carry the umbrella, as she and my mother did after their parents, and their parents before them.  Prayer is what we CAN DO; it’s the most powerful tool we can use in every situation. Instantly awake, I wrote this in my journal. WOW! The idea of these photographs became obvious in our “Lepidoptera Buffet” pollinator flower garden as all the different bees gravitated and posed prettily for the camera. “Pick me! Pick Me!!” Our bees are so precious.

The Prayer Bees are busy every day spreading prayers over everyone, loved ones, acquaintances, friend or foe, our country, our leaders, our institutions. All the countries of the world, our planet.  I kept my vow, memorizing those words, and have added more, particularly this lifeline for hope, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11.

My Umbrella of Prayers has grown exponentially since 2011. You and all yours are covered under my Umbrella of Prayers. 

May the Lord bless you and keep you, make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you, May the Lord turn His face toward you and fill you with His Peace.