My Prayer Closet
by Carla McDougal
A brief encounter lasting only a moment, but never forgotten. A lump forms in my throat. Humbleness envelops my heart. Let me set the scene.
It’s Saturday morning. Errands filled my agenda. Pulling out of the driveway, I prayed, “Lord, I don’t want to miss a moment with You.” This prayer continued marinating in my heart as I blurted out, “What do you have planned? I can’t wait to find out!”
Within minutes I approached a busy intersection. Noticing the light turning yellow, I slowed down. All of a sudden, out of nowhere, two ladies wearing bright yellow shirts darted out in front of my car. I slammed on my brakes. Taking a deep breath, I noticed the first woman running to the car beside me while the other woman approached my door. I hesitated for a split second, but rolled down the window. I must admit I was a little apprehensive.
Then it happened. A quickening in my spirit sparked a moment of tenderness. In this brief encounter, the young woman shared her testimony…
“Hi! My name is Crystal. Jesus saved me from the pit of drug addiction. I represent this powerful Houston ministry—a faith based Christian organization that reaches out to those suffering from drug and alcohol addiction. A place addicts can be rehabilitated through the power of Jesus.”
Our conversation continued, “So Crystal, are you a believer?” I asked. Her face radiated as she replied, “Yes Ma’am, my Jesus set me free! He’s my Lord and Savior.” Tears welled up in both of us. Without realizing it, I grabbed her hands and pulled her head into the car window. An outpouring of prayer gushed from my lips, “Thank You, Jesus, for saving Crystal. I praise you for rescuing her from drugs. I ask for Your protection over her and that the enemy never get a foothold again in her life. And… ” By now, Crystal was praying too. Right then I realized God answered my prayer with this brief encounter at a red light.
Don’t forget, all of this happened between a red light and a green light, in less than three minutes. Hmm, I can’t help but wonder if God tweaked the timing of that light for a special divine appointment. The light turned green, we hugged, and I proceeded through the intersection. Oh, and of course I donated to the ministry with a heart full of love.
Glancing into the rear-view mirror, I observed a sight I will never forget. Crystal jumped into the air with her arms reaching to the sky as if to say, “Praise you, Lord Jesus. Thank you for loving me enough to allow a special brief encounter with a sister-in-Christ!” Needless to say, a smile adorned my face, warmth embraced my soul, and praises filled the car.
Immediately thoughts rolled in, “Did anyone else notice this meeting? If so, what were they thinking?” Tears gently fell. I was overwhelmed, humbled, and amazed at how quickly God answered my morning prayer. My car serves a multitude of purposes… even as my prayer closet!
Do you use your car as a prayer closet? Try praying while you drive. Use this time to commune with the Lord. “Lord, I don’t want to miss a moment with You. What do you have planned? I can’t wait to find out!” Be ready. Be willing. Be watchful!
Award-winning author and speaker, Carla McDougal founded Reflective Life Ministries in 2008. Her true passion is her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It humbles her to realize His love, grace, and mercy go beyond her understanding. She truly believes laughter is medicine from the Lord that breaks down walls and removes the masks in our lives. As a result, God has taken her around the world to encourage others to live every day for Him. Her latest book, My Prayer Chair, won multiple awards in 2013 and is now available in Spanish. Carla and her husband, Fred, live in the Houston, TX area and have three sons, one daughter, and two daughters-in-“love.” She smiles to think of the experiences God has allowed in her life to teach and remind her “He is in control.” Connect with Carla Here… Facebook & Reflective Ministries
