Prayer moves the heart of God and cultivates greater intimacy.
My last week of India was spent in a prayer and healing room at a medical camp. 5 days. 1600 patients. 5-6 hours of prayer each day.
If you read my previous blog, you know that I witnessed God’s healing at the beginning of the month. When I first heard about the opportunity to serve at the hospital where many tribes and unreached would attend, my heart was stirred. I asked the Lord about my role and he gave me dreams of praying for people in a small room. So of course, I had to sign up for the prayer room!
God definitely moved in that room. Combined with life on mission this month, here is what I am learning:
1. Prayer moves the heart of God.
In the prayer room, the Lord gave me a glimpse of His tender heart. I saw a mute boy speak an audible word. An old woman shook violently as the Holy Spirit filled her anew. Others were simply encouraged by two crazy American girls smiling and laughing and praying, as we took their hands and leaned in close. Hands of restless babies, tired mothers, hardworking men, stressed students, and drug addicts.
The Holy Spirit revealed himself. And why wouldn’t He? We should expect God to show up (truth is, He is already here/there/everywhere). All we have to do is humble ourselves before Him, pray according to His will, and ask in faith! It’s really that simple.
2. Prayer takes time, which increases our faith.
When we pray, God hears and responds. But it may not be in the way you anticipated…
In the story of Daniel, Daniel prayed for his people. Immediately, God sent angel Gabriel to him, but it took 21 days for him to arrive (Daniel 10:13-14).
Prayer takes time! Really stop and consider this. Perhaps your angel is still on the way. This could be an opportunity to increase your perseverance and faith.
This month, our sweet Blair Grace really tweaked her neck. A group of Racers laid hands and covered her in prayer. God didn’t heal her. We prayed again. Still no healing. And again. And again. No healing. We left that circle feeling defeated. But Blair Grace was healed! A few days later, her muscles relaxed. God caused her body to repair the muscle. It just took a few days. Did we thank God for the healing? I sure didn’t. Which leads me to my last point…
3. Prayer should always cultivate and foster gratitude.
God is always good. His providence causes the sun to rise and set each morning. His mercies are new. He commands each breath we take. He numbers the hairs on our heads. Each day is a gift from a God who whispers to our hearts, “I have something good for you today. Seek me first. I will not disappoint.”
When we commune with the Father, our hearts should beam with gratitude. The scriptures say He stoops down from heaven and bends His ear toward us. That’s a sweet Papa. (Psalm 10:17)
Let’s fix our eyes on the beauty of all things working together for our good (Romans 8:28). Thanks be to God!
So I’ll say it again. And again. And again…
Prayer moves the heart of God and cultivates greater intimacy.
Do you want to go deeper? Are you tired of being tired of being tired?
PRAY.
My friend Romeo puts it this way, “You can either submit or rebel. It’s one or the other. Submission reaps righteousness and intimacy. Rebellion reaps chaos and consequence.”
You have personal responsibility for your spiritual wellness. No one else can pray you into spiritual growth. Don’t settle for crumbs and scraps. God is the Bread of Life. Only God will satisfy your hunger.
As for me, I will be a woman of prayer. If you ask for prayer, we are going to pray about it in the moment. If you don’t ask for prayer, I’m still going to pray about it. I’m going to talk with my Papa all day long and expect Him to keep moving. The Truth is… He’s already moving. Prayer invites us to show up, recognize His movement, and ask for MORE.
HUGE SHOUTOUT to my teammate, Clarissa Johnson for sweet conversations that helped shaped these thoughts on living a lifestyle of prayer! Even in posting this blog, we committed to prayer and thanksgiving. The wifi at our coffee shop stopped working. Instead of complaining, we prayed about it. It took some TIME, but God heard us and the internet came back on. We laughed and thanked God! He increased our faith. He was honored. Isn’t He wonderful?
* If you were blessed by the post, please PRAY about donating a few dollars to Clarissa! She is about $500 away from FULLY FUNDED! HOORAY!
