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Horace Williams has experienced the power of prayer first-hand. Six years ago he suffered a major stroke that paralyzed his entire left side. He was in constant pain and didn’t know if he would ever walk again. 

He wrote Unleash the Power of Prayer: A Power That Transforms Lives using only one hand. His book won the 2017 bronze medal in the Christian-Non-fiction category from Reader’s’ Favorites! 

I have gotten pretty good at typing with my right hand to share the truths of God’s word. I see God working in my life as He hears my prayers for strength and help to walk again. I do not focus on what has not happened yet. I thank God every day for blessing me with the opportunity to see the sunrise each morning and continuing to heal my body but also transform my heart.

Horace Williams has experienced the power of prayer first-hand. Six years ago he suffered a major stroke that paralyzed his entire left side. His book helps you understand the components of a transforming prayer life. Read the interview questions at the end and get to know Horace and his amazing testimony of hope.

I got to know Horace in a conversation on my blog post What It’s Like To Be Afraid to Drive. He left a comment about trusting God with his uneasiness about driving again after having his stroke. His positive attitude has always encouraged me and his love for God is evident in everything he writes.

When you seek God in prayer, come to Him selflessly with a desire to hear from Him. Let Him shower you with His wisdom and the direction only He can provide.

This short 62-page book is a thorough guide about prayer. It’s great for both Christians and non-Christians because he explains the fundamentals of prayer so well.

He answers the questions: Whom is prayer for? Why should I pray? When should I pray? What do I need to pray effectively? How does forgiveness affect my prayer life? How can I be sure God hears my prayers? How does the power of prayer transform lives?

I wanted to ask Horace a few questions to see how he got through such a difficult time. His answers show his great faith and God’s amazing love.

Horace, can you describe what happened when you had your stroke?

My stroke occurred in the office at work after coming out of a marketing meeting. 

How did the stroke change your life, both physically and spiritually?

At the time of the stroke, every joint on my left side became paralyzed. I still battle nerve pain and weakness on my left side to this day. Spiritually, it awakened me to my utter dependence on God, and my responsibility to live for Him so that He is glorified.

When you realized you were paralyzed on your left side, what was your initial reaction?

FEAR! That was the first thing I felt in the hospital when I awakened. My right leg was tethered to the bed to prevent blood clotting, and I could not move my left side. 

So, I was unable to even sit up. I just yelled out, “Help” and then the nurse came. She went and got the doctor and he told me what had happened. 

How did you cope with the devastating news? 

Prayer. My co-workers, family, and friends had limited access to me in ICU. I spent most of my time talking with God and trying to recite Psalm 23 to myself for encouragement.

Can you describe a moment when God ministered to you in your pain?

In the hospital late at night, God would speak to me via the Christian radio that was constantly on. 

Even at the rehab facility, my mother would make sure that the radio was on. I could not move much, so I could not have turned it off if I wanted to.

I was being force fed a bounty of inspiring bible teachings and worship songs. That was my first introduction to hearing Kari Jobe praise God with her music.

What would you tell someone that has recently experienced a stroke or a similar life-altering illness?

Keep your eyes on Christ. I know it seems simple, but it is true. Everything happens for a reason, and God is working things out for good.(Romans 8:28) 

It does not mean that everything will always make sense, but God asks you to trust Him.

If not for my stroke, I would have continued down a path that did not involve Christ in the least. Now I have an intimate relationship with my Savior. 

Things are far from ideal even now, but my hope is in Jesus! Can you think of anyone better to put your hope in?

What was the most encouraging thing someone said/did that helped you during your recovery?

Once I was given the diagnosis from the doctor, my mother asked if I was going to be okay. The doctor said to us, “Your son will never be the same.”

We did not cry but my mother looked lovingly at me and quoted, 

For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity, plans to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11.

Hope is what I needed at that moment, and God’s word gave it to me in spades via the loving whispers of my mother! 

I also love verses 12 and 13 of that same chapter. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. you will seek me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. 

What great promises from God!

What has been the hardest part of recovery? Where are you now in your recovery?

The hardest part is not giving up and being so dependent on others. This has been the most humbling experience of my life. 

God continues to develop my humility not only towards Himself but towards others.

It is always hard to ask for help or admit I need it at times, but God continues to bring people alongside to help and encourage.   

The pain is something I wish I had gotten used to by now. God continues to bless me with His grace, comfort, and healing.

How can we pray for you?

Please pray for continued healing and wisdom. I still drop a lot of things when I try to hold them in my left hand. 

The nerve pain sometimes prevents me from writing and sharing what God continues to do in my life.

Lord willing, He will allow me to write future books. He has inspired me with book titles, scriptures, and an outline for the books. I will wait for His guidance to move forward on them.

Prayer is the conduit by which you can access God’s power and see it manifest in your life and the lives of people all over the world.

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