Have you ever had the Lord speak something so unexpected that you couldn’t help but laugh? Something that made absolutely no sense at first, but the more you looked at it, the more you realized He was up to something?
Well, let me tell you about the day the Lord introduced me to the Banana Anointing.
I was serving at a church conference when a dear friend, known for her heart of intercession, came to mind. I wondered what the Lord might say about her prayer calling, so I asked Him, “Lord, what would You like to speak to her?”
Without hesitation, I felt Him say, “Tell her she has the banana anointing.”
I chuckled. “Lord, that’s not in Scripture!”
But He responded, “Look up what bananas do.”
Well, okay, Lord.
So I began researching the benefits of bananas. And let me tell you, those little yellow fruits are packed with goodness!
Bananas provide potassium, which helps support healthy muscle function and fluid balance. They contain vitamin B6, which supports the nervous system and helps the body process nutrients. They offer vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber to support digestion and gut health. Their natural carbohydrates provide energy, and their potassium and carbohydrates can help replenish the body after physical activity.
In other words, bananas nourish, strengthen, sustain, and help the body recover.
And suddenly, I began to see a connection.
A banana is a lot like intercessory prayer.
Intercessory prayer is often a behind the scenes ministry. It may not be seen, recognized, or celebrated by others, but it is quietly nourishing, strengthening, and sustaining the people we are lifting before the Lord.
Just as a banana provides nourishment to the body, intercession provides spiritual nourishment through prayer.
Just as bananas help replenish the body, intercessory prayer helps strengthen and sustain those who are weary.
Just as bananas provide energy for the journey, intercession helps carry people through seasons when they may not have the strength to carry themselves.
And just as the fruit grows and develops out of sight before it is ready to be enjoyed, so much of the work of intercession happens in the secret place.
The intercessor may never know the full impact of a prayer prayed in faith. The person being prayed for may never know who stood in the gap for them. But the fruit of those prayers can be seen in lives strengthened, hearts encouraged, and people sustained through difficult seasons.
And let’s not forget that bananas come in bunches!
There is something beautiful about the way intercessors come together, each carrying a portion of the burden, united in prayer, believing God for His purposes to be fulfilled.
I began to realize that perhaps the banana anointing was a picture of the intercessory prayer anointing. A calling to nourish, strengthen, sustain, and faithfully stand in the gap for others.
So I shared the word with my friend, and she absolutely loved the banana anointing!
But the story didn’t end there.
A little while later, I was walking along the beach when, completely out of the blue, I spotted a banana sticker lying in the sand.
I had to laugh.
Then, not long after that, one of my students handed me a drawing. It had a heart on one side a a big yellow long pepper looking thing in the middle I said, Tell me about this big yellow thing in the middle.”
He said, “Oh, it’s a banana.”
Well, thank You, Lord! I think I’m getting the message!
I don’t know about you, but I love the way the Lord can take the most ordinary things and use them to reveal something extraordinary. He has a way of speaking through the unexpected, reminding us that He sees, He knows, and He is always at work, even in the little things.
So the next time you see a banana, maybe you’ll think about the hidden power of prayer. Maybe you’ll remember the intercessors who faithfully stand in the gap. Maybe you’ll be reminded that what happens behind the scenes in the secret place can produce fruit that nourishes and strengthens others in ways we may never fully understand.
And if you happen to find a banana sticker in the sand or receive a giant banana drawing from a student, well…
You might just have the banana anointing!
Thank You, Lord, for the banana anointing!
In Jesus’ name. AMEN
