I recently returned to work, about two weeks after double-bypass surgery. My heart surgeon advised I was better off doing something productive than lying around during the two months needed for my scars to heal.

This ordeal began New Year's Day, when I thought I was having a heart attack. That ultimately led to the discovery of two new blockages in the same artery where I had two stents inserted in July of 2005.

A doctor at the hospital where I went on New Year's had said I might have had a viral infection. That's what I hoped my heart catherization would find—all clear, meaning the reason for the Jan. 1 scare was an infection.

Embracing optimism

To say I was eager to go through surgery would be like saying the New England Patriots love watching highlights of this year's Super Bowl. I had endured considerable mental and physical struggles after having stents. The thought of repeating that ordeal filled me with dread and fear.

However, as the operation approached, I found myself embracing optimism. The primary reason was an outpouring of prayer support and encouragement.

Numerous people wrote to tell of placing me on their church's prayer list. They ranged from the Lutheran church on Long Island where my brother is interim pastor to Haiti, where old friends serve as missionaries.

Others wrote to say that they or a brother, father or other family member had been through bypass surgery and were doing much better now.

Prayers and encouragement

Others expressed concern or offered encouragement:

"We will be praying for you as the time approaches, that you will be strong and have good courage and not be afraid."

"What's great is surgery can correct the problem and you won't have to worry about dropping dead in the street. That's what is great!…We've never met, but I know in my spirit that you have kept the Lord's commands, so I have no doubt that you will come through this surgery and have a very long life."

"Jesus bore our sicknesses on the cross so that we could experience health today. It has always helped me to meditate on the past tense of that truth and to realize that healing is a free gift that we simply receive by faith."

Then one that startled me: "Pray without ceasing, standing on the promises of scripture, knowing how God is forever in the miracle business. Nothing is impossible with him. Do you believe this?"

This last message was a challenge, as if the writer were tapping me on the chest. Honestly, my faith had been faltering, but when he posed that question I stopped and declared, "Yes, I believe in a God who does the impossible."

Purpose for life

Two friends said they believed, or were praying that, God would heal me without surgery. While that didn't didn't happen, a few days before surgery another friend said, "Whether you need surgery or not, God will bring you through this and heal you in no time. Divine healing goes with divine purpose, and God has a purpose for your life."

This kind of encouragement kept me going—and still does. After sinking into a mental funk a week after coming home, the next day I awoke in a much better mood and decided to go to church that day. I'm convinced somewhere, someone, had prayed and stirred up the Spirit within me.

I share this to encourage pastors and church leaders to never grow weary in the well-doing of praying for and supporting members and families. Your expressions of care matter to those who are under attack and need to know others are interceding for them.

The spiritual bouquets I have received in recent weeks are not the kind that can be bought, yet are of enormous value. Remember that as your church prays for those in need.