I Felt Their Prayers

By Diana Hudson

So often I had been on the “giving” end of prayers, asking Heavenly Father to give his blessings to my loved ones. After I said “amen” I would meditate briefly, then carry on with my day. I never considered how my prayers might affect others’ lives until I happened to be on the “receiving” end of many prayers.

I was pregnant with my third child, and was attempting to follow my doctor’s orders to take it easy. My husband was out of town, leaving me totally in charge of our two small children, when I suddenly became ill with a serious infection that endangered the life of my unborn child. Frightened, I called a member who lived near by and asked him to give me a blessing. He and the elders quorum president soon arrived, and as they administered to me, I felt the sweet presence of the Spirit. However, a visit to my doctor that afternoon caused me to worry again. I thought about the possibility of losing the baby, and spent much of the rest of the day crying.

But that night, my fears were replaced by the same comforting feeling I had experienced during the blessing, and I became aware of the concern felt by family members and friends who cared for me and wanted me and my baby to be healthy. I knew they were praying for me and that their prayers were being answered. I left their love surround me and give me courage. This sweet feeling stayed with me until I finally regained my health.

Often, through the remainder of the pregnancy, people told me that they had prayed for me when I had been ill. I always replied, “Yes, I know you did.” And as I later held my healthy, newborn daughter, I reflected on the miracles that can come from prayer.

• Diana Hudson lives in Anchorage, Alaska.

Illustrated by Olinda Reynolds