Prayer

My responsibility in facilitating the Prayer study is over.  It was stretching since I don’t enjoy leading someone else’s study.  But the topic drew me as I continue to learn about prayer.  My two prayer warrior friends invited me to watch a DVD on prayer, and we spent time praying together. We also prayed together during our monthly movie night.  I’ve found myself praying more often and more immediately when a need arises.  At our study, a woman asked for prayer as I was leaving, so we prayed right then.  I’m enjoying this step of growth I see in me.  Please pray I continue to respond to the Lord’s drawing.

I got to attend an off-base Church for the first time in my 5 years here.  They focus on prayer, and it was a refreshing experience.  They have pictures in front of the pulpit of people they’re praying for and believers come early and walk and pray by the altar.  The overhead screens all say “Focus on Jesus” and all the worship songs are about Jesus and lifting Him up.  Announcements on the overhead list people to pray for, and they spend 20-30 minutes of their 2 hour service praying and adoring the Lord.  It reminded me of Jim Cymbala’s words that the Lord said His House was a House of Prayer not a House of preaching or singing or entertaining.

Our Ruth study finishes next Tuesday, and my 8 faithful women want to continue to meet in August!  They spur me on with their faithful love for the Lord and commitment to learn and grow.  The Lord answered prayer in redirecting me regarding the Fall study.  The PWOC theme this year is “Your Kingdom Come,” so I’m going to look at the Parables of the Kingdom in Matthew.  I like alternating between the Old and New Testaments, and I wanted to focus on a Gospel this time.  So, I’m very excited, and grateful for the Lord’s direction.

Please pray for one of the ladies whose been in my study for 3 years; she’s to give birth to her first child in the next 2 weeks!  And, thank you for your faithful prayers that sustain me and impact so many lives here!  In the words of the Disciples, "Lord, teach us to pray!"