The old, stained, cowboy hat is often seen on this gentle spirit’s head.  Like the man wearing it, it’s been through many ups and downs, but he’s always managed to pray in all circumstances. We both know the power of prayer.  However, I had know idea of the extent of that power until I witnessed it personally through my husband.

Throughout our lives together, he’s relied totally on God’s intervention.  My oldest daughter recalls working in his office one summer and observing him engaged in prayer and Bible study before beginning his day.  His total dependence on God was instilled in him as he grew up in a Christian home, but that was just the beginning.

Being born with a polished, silver spoon in his mouth, he lacked for little.  He wasn’t arrogant about that, but our obvious difference in backgrounds was apparent.  My folks had to scrape by.  There was always enough and we never went hungry, but I learned early on that nothing comes easy.

Together we began to grow up in our prayer life.  He taught me that God wasn’t simply a fearful judge, but an amazing advocate and redeemer.  He shared the true Gospel message with me and strengthened my faith because of it.  I had grown up afraid of God.

There were many times when Paul was placed in dangerous situations – when it looked as though he might not make it – when things were closing in on him, but he never faltered as a prayer warrior.  When we went through the loss of his business, Paul kept a journal that read much like the Psalms of David.

When we opened our home to both of our mothers (not at the same time) he taught me to be compassionate, patient and caring.  Watching your parents deteriorate is difficult.  We prayed often during those days.

When he suffered physically, he would turn it over to God.  I recall his going through radiation treatments for Cancer with full confidence in God’s plan for his life. When money problems mounted, he prayed for guidance and was led to start a new career.  When our children would go through an injury or illness, he would pray before administering first aid.  Every day he begins with prayer and Bible study.  He recalls his confirmation scripture passage and says it before going to bed.  He does this, not out of habit, but sincere reverence to God.

He knows that God is with us in all times – good or bad – and that His will shall be accomplished without our interference.  When we found our new “old” house, he literally fell to his knees to thank God for providing exactly what we need right now.  Our realtor was a little concerned something was wrong with him, but by then she had already seen how much strength Paul drew from God.

Now that our lives are ebbing towards eternity, we continue to pray for each other, for our family, for our grandchildren, our friends and our country.  Our prayer list grows each day, but Paul has taught me that nothing is too big for God to handle.  All we need to do is open our mouths and hearts and pray, and trust that God has our lives under His care.  What an amazing plan he has underway for each of us.