In August, I received a call from my sister Barbara informing me that my sister Sharon was coming home for a visit. She wanted as many of our family as could to come meet them for supper on Saturday night. Sharon had two surgeries in the spring on her back a week apart. The prolonged first surgery and a screw installed in wrong place in the second surgery had left her in a wheelchair and only able to use the walker sometimes for very short distances. She was going to move to California to live close to a son and get the rehabilitation needed for her back and legs.

After I hung up the phone, the Lord began to instruct me that when she came home we were supposed to pray for her and our entire family together. He said that a spirit of infirmity had been sent against our family.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy (us), I came that they you) have life, and have it abundantly.” ( John 10:10 NASB)

Around 35 family members were able to meet at Ryan’s. After the delicious supper, I shared a few things that the Lord had given to encourage our family’s heart. Then, we joined our hands and hearts to pray. As we began to praise the Lord for His greatness, the Lord descended powerfully into that place. There was the feeling of an electric current flowing through me and into those with whom I was holding hands. I could hear the “swish, swish, swish“ as the Lord poured His power into that room through prayer.

At one point He had me to pray and call forth our entire bloodline to come to Jesus Christ believing in Him as their Savior and Lord. My Daddy’s family was Thomas, his Mother’s family was Holmes, Mama’s Daddy’s family was Whatleys, and her Mother’s family was Lancasters. He instructed me to call them from the North, from the South, from the East, and from the West. As I was coming to the end of praying, He showed me a picture.

There was a large group of “Mighty Angels“ completely encircling our family at Ryan’s. They were standing shoulder to shoulder with their heads bowed and their wings were all pointing straight up as if at attention. They were reverently taking part in our prayer meeting. (Notice the picture of “Angels” that is attached to this story. The ones surrounding us were dressed identically as here in this picture, with soldier looking outfits.)

The Holy Spirit began to tell me, “Tonight, the whole host of heaven that is of the Thomas, Holmes, Whatley, and Lancaster bloodline were called to Jesus’ side to join Him in ministering in prayer over your whole family.”

We all have often wondered, do those in heaven know what goes on down here. Maybe in times of prayer??? And does the Word not say that “Jesus is ever interceding for us!!!” (Hebrews 7:25b)

There is so much that we do not know or can not even imagine of what goes on in heaven. As the Lord pulled back the curtain of heaven, I believe He gave us just a little glimpse of what was going on that night. I truly cannot wait to see and be a part of all that He has prepared for you and me.

This Thanksgiving, as our families come to celebrate this holiday together and we join our hearts in expressing our thankfulness and gratefulness for all God has done for us just know that we are not alone. Hebrews says, “We are surrounded by a great host of witnesses.” (Hebrews 12:1a)

(Gaither Vocal Band & Charlotte Ritchie – My Father’s Angels)

Love forever,

Tricia Cook