Thursday thoughts: Covered in prayer By JILL JOHNSON Wednesday, May 28, 2025 The past two weeks have been quite interesting for the Johnson family. Our daughter had a scheduled back surgery on May 20th. We knew it was going to be a difficult surgery due to the recovery process and the stipulations required during the recovery. I was aware that I would be needed to help her with things like laundry, grocery shopping, cleaning, etc., which I was prepared to do. Little did I know that the day after her surgery, my husband would be admitted to the hospital with a serious infection in his leg along with blood clots. As of today, we are on Day 7 of Wayne being in the hospital. Overwhelmed, stressed, and worried are just a few of the emotions I have been feeling. I am going to the hospital to see Wayne, then leaving there to go and check on Missie, and then usually back to the hospital. It's been a crazy week or so for everyone. I have honestly coveted prayers for Wayne, for Missie, and for myself. I don't know about you, but when things are so crazy, it's like I don't even know how to pray other than "God help." That's why I KNOW others have been covering us with prayer. I think this idea of covering in prayer has totally become a reality to me this week. When we cover others in prayer, we are seeking God's protection and His presence for either our family, friends, or ourselves through prayer. I feel like these last few weeks have taught me an entirely different perspective on praying for others. We should always be praying for others because it is so important. When we are covering others with prayer, we are interceding for those who might not have the words to pray for themselves. We are also seeking God's presence on behalf of others. We are actually providing a shield of protection from God for the person we are praying for. Think about that! Don't we all need that intercession, protection, and shield? I know I do. In Isaiah 51:16, the Bible says, "I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of my hand." We are speaking truth with our words and covering someone with God's love and care when we pray. Something happened to Wayne this week that really brought this idea of covering in prayer to life. He has been out of it most of the time from the infection and medication, and just sleeping a good bit. He told me that he was asleep, and he felt like someone was covering him up. He opened his eyes to see some friends of ours, and they had placed a "prayer quilt" on him. There were threads that were made into knots where a prayer had been offered on his and our family's behalf as each knot was tied. The warmth of the quilt is what woke him up. It was a beautiful picture of what covering someone in prayer does. It makes you warm when you might be feeling the coldness and anxiety of fear. It makes you sense the presence of God when you feel that covering placed on you. It also lets you feel the weight of the prayers being lifted up for you. That prayer quilt was just what we both needed to remind us that God has people praying for us. He is placing that warm shield of protection and His love and care over us. What an amazing feeling that is! We might not actually have a prayer quilt to offer to someone, but we can always pray for others. You never know, but you might be adding that warmth to someone who needs it when you cover them with prayer. I don't think I will ever place the covers over me at bedtime again without thinking about being covered in prayer and asking God who I need to cover in prayer. Believe me when I say the only way to keep your heart warm and sensitive to the truth and touch of God is to pray. Pray for friends, family, and others - cover them in prayer. Who are you covering in prayer today? Galatians 6:2: "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ". ___ Jill Johnson finds spiritual applications in her everyday experiences as a wife, mother, grandmother, and Georgian. Jill is retired from the Georgia Baptist Mission Board and is available to speak to your church's women's gatherings. Reach her at jjohnson@gabaptist.org. --- PULLQUOTES --- Quote: When we are covering others with prayer, we are interceding for those who might not have the words to pray for themselves. --- PHOTOS --- File: 20230105-130542-Jill Johnson thumbnail.jpg Caption: Jill Johnson