In Praise of Prayer Partners ~ To Bessie with Love

11/7/24

My former prayer partner and precious friend, Bessie, beat me to Heaven in October. I’d like to take some time to remember her. If any of you have had a prayer partner selected by God Himself, you know how special they are.

So, he said, ‘These are the two anointed ones, who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth.’ Zechariah 4:14.

I have had a special prayer partner before Bess, but the Lord moved her on after 5 years. I learned so much from Susan during our time together; she was a prophetic intercessor. We did a lot of prayer for revival of the country. Bessie and I would continue on the journey of revival and deep spiritual warfare that included words, dreams, prophetic acts, and confronting a demonic stronghold for over ten years.

When Susan left, I was deeply attached to Bessie as a close friend so becoming my prayer partner was a natural.  Bess had an infectious smile and was gifted in the prophetic. She was prolific in dreams, and hearing God’s voice. Her gifting and calling came in handy as God revealed His plans for us as church intercessors. I could not have done that assignment without Bessie; she was always an encouragement to me and played a prominent role in the book, mysisterswalkwithGOD.

Bessie and I met weekly for prayer; we used the scripture addresses and words that God gave us. We prayed the verses back to Him to bring about the plan. We used the dreams to pray against the intentions of the enemy before Satan had a chance to implement his devious plan or at least while it was underway. 

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.  For if they fall, one will lift up his companion… Ecclesiastes 4:9-10a.

We were greatly connected in the Spirit as the Lord uses pairs or partners in doing His work; according to Mark 6:6-7 Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village. Calling the twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits.

There were reasons why the Lord sent His ministers out two at a time; remember the number two means witness, so two people provide a valid witness.  Jesus created a support and encouragement system by sending out two disciples together.  He said, “For where two or three gather in My name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20.

“Bessie was born to Harve and Lucille Mayes of Taylorsville, NC. Both parents preceded her to Heaven at ages 88 and 96 respectively after seventy plus years of marriage, 11 children, and ten grandchildren. Their legacy is profiled in the book Bessie wrote entitled “Uncle Harve and Miss Lucille” as a loving tribute to her Christian parents and close family. It can be purchased at Uncle Harve and Miss Lucille: A Legacy @ Amazon.com.”  

She had a 33-year career in the Technical Library at SPAWAR Naval Department of Defense Headquarters. She liked to tell me that she was a spy! She was an active long-term member of Kehillat Ariel Messianic congregation in San Diego. Bessie’s Life – read more.

Bessie and I enjoyed over fifteen years of encouragement as prayer partners.  Way too many stories to tell! A friend recently said: “You two had such a beautiful relationship that a lot of women never find.” Even when we had our differences on this earth at times, all is made well in Heaven.

Though you have beat me to glory, Bess, I’m sure you are enjoying the fruits of your labors! And, singing our favorite song with inexplicable joy… Chris Tomlin - Everlasting God.

I will see you soon enough…Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Psalm 116:15.