That season ended abruptly during a meeting of the charismatic women’s prayer group. The usual hostess, Julie’s friend Anne, was away. Helen, a local businesswoman, had kindly opened her home. Helen waited until the buzz of greetings had subsided and all the women were seated comfortably in a circle, before she greeted them warmly.
“Welcome, all! I feel privileged to host our gathering tonight, especially with today’s important theme of physical healing. Angela, can you read the text, please?”
Angela read from Mark 16:17-18: “And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”
An animated discussion followed. Then came Julie’s favourite part of the meeting: Intercession.
Julie had been struggling with a sore back, due to her massage work, and asked for prayer so she could continue her ministry. The group gathered around her for the laying on of hands. She closed her eyes as they interceded in tongues on her behalf. Suddenly, Helen’s voice rose above the murmur, taking on a prophetic tone. The group quietened. Horrified, Julie realised that Helen was addressing her.
“My beloved daughter, I see your heart, says the Lord; yes, I see your love; but oh, my daughter! You know my way is straight, yet you lead my people astray into Eastern paths! Seek freedom, my child. Renounce the bottling of spirits in oils!”
A chorus of Amens floated eerily about her. Julie wanted to protest that her bottles held no spirits, but realised she could not prove this. In any case, this authoritative communication addressed the exact subject she had laid before her Heavenly Father. Feeling overwhelmed, she nodded her acquiescence as her tears flowed. Sharing knowing glances, the group comforted her with gentle strokes on her upper arms and shoulders.
Julie resolved to content herself with welcoming and feeding the many visitors to Honeydew Farm. The Studio door was shut.
Tia Azulay 27Apr09 Copyright © 2009 Tia Azulay