p. 38 | Answer to Prayer by N. M. Jordon

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 30, 1862

Answer to Prayer.

By N. M. Jordon

“And these signs shall follow them that believe, In my name shall they lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover,” &c. Mark xvi, 17, 18.

BRO. WHITE; On the evening of the 9th of November I was present and witnessed the result of the healing power of God, as that blessing rested upon one of his children in answer to prayer. Sister Lydia A. Rankin had been sick with the lung fever and pleurisy for about two weeks, and had become so reduced in strength that she could not turn nor raise herself in bed, nor speak aloud.

Medical aid did her no good, but seemed to make the disease worse. She despaired of being helped by the skill of man, but had faith that God could and would heal her in answer to prayer. Accordingly she requested her husband to send for elder Sanborn, who was at that time in the vicinity, also for the elder of the church of which she was a member, and a few of the brethren and sisters of the church. At this time she had a high fever and a severe pain in her side. When we had come together Bro. Sanborn requested two of the sisters to take the oil and anoint her where she was in distress, in the name of the Lord. While this was being done we all prayed mentally to the Lord for his blessing.

When the anointing was done, sister Rankin said the pain had all left her. We then all knelt down around her bed. Bro. Sanborn led in prayer, and as he prayed he claimed the promises of the Lord. We prayed, asking the Lord to heal our sick and afflicted sister. When we had done all that the Lord had required of us in the fifth chapter of James, then his blessing was manifested. Sister Rankin believed and received the blessing, and the fever left her. Our sick sister was healed. She praised the Lord for what he had done for her. Bro. Sanborn received a great blessing, and had great freedom in calling upon the name of the Lord. We were all blessed according to our faith.

Sister Rankin was, twenty minutes before, suffering under the influence of a burning fever. Now her flesh was cool, with a slight perspiration. With a little help she got up and dressed herself, came into the room where we were sitting. She praised the Lord aloud.

The fever left her quite weak, but she has been gaining her strength day by day. She now enjoys nearly her usual health. We feel that this has not only been a blessing to sister Rankin, but to the church at Hundred Mile Grove. We feel blessed. We feel that this is a green spot in our religious experience.

Brethren, have faith. May the Lord help us to have faith, is my prayer.

Yours in hope. N. M. JORDON.