Dear Church,

I’ve been encouraged by the spirit of genuine contrition God is stirring in our church. In recent weeks/months, at the end of Sunday worship we’ve seen more people stepping forward for prayer, for consecration, and for healing. It’s a beautiful thing to witness, the family of God responding to the presence of the Holy Spirit.

But I also know many still remain in their seats. Some stay back, even when they know deep down, they need prayer. And I want to gently say: you’re not alone, but you don’t have to stay there. Let’s be honest, every one of us needs prayer. It is only a pride-filled heart that would say, “I’m fine. I don’t need help.”  The Bible says clearly in James 5:16 (NLT), “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” Healing often begins with honesty and humility.

You may think, “What will others think of me?” Especially if you consider yourself or you have created a false impression that you are a mature believer, you may fear being seen as “someone with issues.” But here’s the truth:  I, Pastor Mathews, have issues, you have issues, we all have issues. The strongest Christians are not the ones who hide their struggles, but the ones who bring them into the light and seek help from God and His people.

Others might think, “No one would understand what I’m going through. It’s too personal.” But that kind of thinking keeps you stuck. And “stuck” is exactly where the enemy wants you. Romans 8:31 reminds us, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”  You don’t need to fear rejection. When you are honest, it often leads to deeper connection with others who are walking similar roads. Still others may wonder, “What’s the point? Nothing will change.” But Scripture answers that directly: “The prayer of faith will make the sick person well… If they have sinned, they will be forgiven” (James 5:15). God does not lie. If you’ve never found healing, maybe it’s because you’ve never fully opened up before God and others.

This is not about emotionalism or making a show, this is about walking in obedience to the Word. It is a biblical mandate to pray for one another, to let the elders’ lay hands on the sick and the broken (James 5:14-16), and to believe that God meets us in those moments of vulnerability.

So let me encourage you this week: when there’s a moment for prayer, don’t hesitate. Take that step forward, not because you’re weak, but because you’re strong enough to say, “I can’t do this on my own.”
The arms of the Father are open. The hands of His people are extended. Healing is available. Let’s respond.

Be Encouraged,
Mathews