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Monday, May 4, 2015

When a Prayer Warrior Dies

One of the prayer warrior ladies that I described in a previous post just passed away this weekend. She just happened to be the mother of my uncle and the grandma to my cousins. She was old, but her death was still a surprise to the family. I'm praying for God's peace for the family of Rose, something I'm sure she already prayed about for each and every member of her family. She knew that God's peace alone could transcend all understanding, comforting hearts even in the toughest of times.

In light of her passing, I found myself wondering: what happens when a prayer warrior dies? What a huge hole she leaves! I'm sure her family and friends will feel the loss. She carried so many in prayer, so now what will happen?

One thing I do know is that prayers are eternal. We pray to an everlasting, eternal God. His memory is infinite. He has the ability to forget our sins but remember our prayers. He sees the future. He makes a way for us because He goes before us. God is faithful, and He answers prayer.

Many prayers that Rose prayed during her time on this earth were answered. I'm sure she saw many miracles; I'm sure she even prayed for me and my family at some time. I know she gave God the glory for the way He answered the prayers that she prayed.

On the other hand, many prayers that Rose prayed probably have not yet been answered. I'm sure she prayed for souls that did not know Jesus like she did. And if you ever talked to Rose, you left the conversation knowing that she loved Jesus, and she wanted you to love Him too. These souls may still be lost, but God has taken note of these prayers. He is working all things out according to His timing.

The amazing thing now is that Rose gets to see, first hand, how God is moving. She has a front row seat to the majesty and perfection and glory of God. In His presence, all doubts fade. In His presence, there is only peace and joy. Rose is there now, with Him. Of this her family is sure. The prayers she prayed on earth will keep being answered because God is always faithful.

My prayer for this family is that they will have eyes to see how the prayers of their mom and grandma and great grandma are still being answered today and how they will be answered in the future. May the legacy of prayer that Rose left behind build the faith of her family and all her knew her. Amen.

"The Beauty of a Rose"
by Kristen Johnson 


Faith bigger than the mountain she prayed to move
Trust stronger than every doubt she faced
Belief in the only One who saves
Confidence in the God that never fails
Hope in the life that was to come

Words offered with love for you and me
from one knelt humbly before her King
No greater legacy could she leave
But these many prayers that would last forever
The is the beauty of a Rose


"Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart." (Colossians 4:2)
 Linking up this week with #RaRalinkup, #intentionalTuesdaysUnite, #TellHisStory, #coffeeforyourheart

7 comments:

  1. So beautiful, Kristen. You captured the essence of Rose's heart for Jesus beautifully.

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  2. What a great post to honour your aunt Rose, she sounds like an amazing woman of God. Beautiful poem too.

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  3. Kristen, I am so sorry for your loss. My Mother-in-law is a prayer warrior and I also go through cycles of being one. I know what a great spiritual gift it is to have this (I do not) and what a hole it will leave. The power to prayer continuously for loved ones, for people you don't know and for our world is something to behold as you watch prayers being answered. Our God is listening and hears our prayers. He is faithful. Blessings to you. I'm your neighbor on Tell His Story.

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  4. A beautiful picture of the ongoing 'work', the legacy left in place through prayer. Lovely thoughts! Joining you from Holly Gerths' site.

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  5. I am also sorry for your precious loss, Kristen. I do believe Rose's prayers are forever ongoing, eternal. She will be missed in that you and many others will not have Rose to go sit with asking for prayer. But there is One Who hears and knows all of our concerns. For Jesus, I am ever grateful.
    The poem is beautiful.
    Caring through Christ, ~ linda

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  6. Kristen, what a beautiful memorial to Rose. I remember reading in one of Mark Batterson's books that God spoke to him and said what you are seeing are the results of your grandfather's prayers. Rose has left a legacy of prayer that will continue to produce a harvest for generations to come. Thank you, Kristen, for sharing your heart at #IntentionalTuesday on Intentionally Pursuing. I pray God's comfort and peace surround all those who knew this precious soul. ((hugs))

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  7. May all of Rose rest in a most special place. May the words of her heart be forever held in God's hands. Thank you for sharing this. Cheering you on from the #RaRalinkup on Purposeful Faith.

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