pondering prayer

“Praying”

It doesn’t have to be

the blue iris, it could be

weeds in a vacant lot, or a few

small stones; just

pay attention, the patch

a few words together and don’t try

to make them elaborate, this isn’t

a contest but the doorway into thanks, and silence in which

anotherr voice may speak.

(from Thirst, a collection of poems by Mary Oliver)

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Sometimes get overwhelmed with everything that needs prayer. I believe there are times to be intentional about praying, even to the point of having a ‘list’ and ‘schedule.’ But other times, I believe I can show my trust by asking the Lord to bring to my remembrance various prayer needs when they won’t just be a cause of worry or even guilt for me, but rather I can take them to him with the right attitude. I am also trying to learn to be sensitive to when a prayer request is something a.) I should just offer up to him once, showing my trust by not dwelling on it too much, or b.) I should offer up over and over, like the “persistent neighbor” in Jesus’ parable, showing perseverance in prayer until the Lord answers it.

Recently, as I was reflecting on some needs of my family and friends, I suddenly felt very alone in praying for them. I know my parents are praying about these things too, and sometimes we pray together, but I just sensed that these were some concerns that needed more of The Body lifting them up. In that moment, the Lord brought to mind several of my sisters and brothers in Christ with whom I could share these burdens, trusting them to pray as he guided them. What a comfort! I am so thankful for personal prayer as well as communal prayer..."wherever two or more are gathered...."

As I reflect back on my time in Rio, I am more and more convinced of the power of prayer. Not that I saw miracles because of prayer while I was there. But I believe there are miracles yet to come…

…if we continue to pray.

One of they main ways I experienced how God works through our prayers while I was in Brazil was the indescribable peace he gave me. Before I went, I watched an episode of the Brazilian TV series, “City of Men,” which realistically depicts favela life. I had very little sense of where I was going until that moment, and then I became terrified about what I was getting myself into. A few days later, my church in Jackson gathered to pray over me about my trip. As they prayed for my protection, I felt Christ’s “peace that passes all understanding” flood through me…and I never lost that sense the whole time I was there. I was living in “the ‘hood.” It was dangerous. My heart skipped a few beats in a couple of instances. But I never doubted that Jesus was with me and had his hand on me. (And I’m still alive! J)

Many nights, I stood on our balcony listening to gun shots in the distance, and all I could do was pray. Pray for the light of Christ to permeate the darkness surrounding me. I miss hearing those gunshots because I am not reminded so often to pray. And Rio still needs our prayers.

Even though I’m not there to send you stories and pictures, there are still children living on the streets, sniffing glue to dull the pain of their lonely, frightening existence. Please pray that the WMF team that is still there (as well as other believers) would persevere in their endeavors to build relationships with these children (many of them adults) that they might walk with them toward a life transformed by the death and life of Jesus Christ…transformed holistically.

Please pray for the children of Projeto Vidinha, who have wonderful people caring for them but who don’t know the love of a mother and father. (One of my most heartbreaking experiences in Rio was hearing these children sing in their church on Mother’s Day about the love of a mother…the mother they didn’t have.) Please pray that they will grow strong and healthy in mind, body, and spirit, and that enough funds and volunteers will be had to make that possible. Pray that they will accept the truth of the work Christ has done for them on the cross and learn to live it out in every area of their lives, exhibiting the freedom that comes from walking in the love of “the Father to the fatherless.”

I don’t pray enough. When I pray, Jesus does amazing things in my heart, freeing me to be of greater service to him…perhaps even to be the answer to the prayers I am praying for people in need, like those in Rio. I hope you may experience the same. I truly believe that God has great works to do in the world…if only his people will stand by him in prayer.

Sometimes we are asked to pray then go. That’s what I did over a year ago when I left for Rio. Sometimes we are asked to pray then wait. That is what I have done since returning from Rio. Now, I am beginning to have a sense that there is more going for me to do. Maybe it’s just right around the corner from my house. But wherever it is, I can’t do it without prayer. Praying without ceasing…

…having an ongoing conversation with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whose grace I need more and more every moment.

“And my God will supply all your [and my] needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Philippians 4: 19-20)