Immanuel Prayer: A tool for healing of the heart

By Sarah Harmeyer, All Saints Dallas

In mid-July, I fell victim to a significant financial scam. I had always believed myself to be discerning, but this incident left me shaken. Apprehension, distrust, shame and disappointment swept over me as I felt violated and afraid. I know there is real evil in the world, but this time it felt as if the enemy had boldly knocked on my front door. Fear and anxiety became new companions, slipping into ordinary daily tasks and even into my dreams at night.

I knew my church, All Saints Dallas, offered prayer appointments, but I wasn’t sure what they entailed. I had heard they lasted 45 minutes, and honestly, the thought of praying that long intimidated me. I know the power of prayer, but the idea of scheduling it on a calendar? That was foreign. Still, I was desperate for God to meet me, and so I reached out for help in the battle.

When I arrived at church for my appointment, I was greeted by two kind women—one on staff and one a lay leader from the prayer team. We met in a cozy room, chatted briefly and then I shared why I had come. One of them began taking notes, gently explaining they were for me, not for her. Together, she said, we would seek what God wanted to share. The other suggested we walk through something called Immanuel Prayer.

Here’s how I experienced it:

1. Recall a Positive Memory: I was guided to remember a gratitude-filled memory where God felt near. I chose a significant moment that had been both challenging and joy-filled.
2. Engage the Senses: They asked me to fully enter that memory. What did I see, hear, feel? As I lingered there, the moment became vivid and real.
3. Invite Jesus: Then, I was invited to imagine Jesus present in that memory, right beside me.
4. Experience Connection and Healing: The focus shifted to connection with Him: listening for His voice, sensing His presence and interacting with Him in that place.

It was there, in that sacred space, that I felt Jesus begin to bring healing.

The women continued to guide us with gentle prompts, encouraging me to recall other moments in my story. We spoke aloud what we sensed or imagined, waiting together on God. Nothing was forced or rushed. Some moments were crystal clear, as if God’s presence was undeniable. At other times, I had to push aside distractions and strain to notice Him. Yet through it all, one truth remained steady: God is always present.

That prayer appointment reminded me that He has been with me in every part of my journey—even the painful parts that leave me fearful and vulnerable. I walked away with a renewed, living connection to Jesus, the One who is my source of healing and peace. He is trustworthy, unchanging and near. Above all, He is Immanuel—God with us. Prayer circled me back to these truths. Thanks be to God.

 

Sarah Harmeyer an active member of All Saints Dallas. She is the founder and Chief People Gatherer of Neighbor’s Table, a small business started from her own love of gathering people at the table. Sarah has hosted more than 4,500 people at her own backyard table since 2012, when Neighbor’s Table began. Her business now builds handcrafted tables for others, and she has delivered tables in 37 states.

When Sarah is not on the road delivering tables or speaking, she calls Dallas, Texas home, where she loves throwing dinner parties and being creative with her 7-year-old niece.