The chalk white, cement walls surrounded the room. Over our heads, the tin roof shook vigorously as the wind blew. A distinct, rhythmic shriek widened our exhausted eyes, hinting a lizard was nearby. The beaming white light attracted bugs of all shapes and sizes. Car horns beeped in the distance, accompanied with yelling and chanting. The smell of burnt rubber and rocks circumvented the air. Water canons boomed while the riot raged on. Safely tucked away in our mountain home, we did what we knew best to do. We prayed.
My paint splattered watch showed 9:16 p.m as the circular light went dark. The soft yellow city lights in the distance penetrated through the translucent curtains. Covering our sleeping bags over our chilled bodies, we gently rested our heads down and fell asleep.
12:00 a.m strikes and the first alarm goes off. Trying not to disturb others, two girls grabbed their worn out Bibles and warm socks then walked to the attic where we eat our meals.
1:00 a.m rolls by, followed by the next four hours. Each ring of the alarm signaling the next two girls to walk up the grey cement steps.
My bright blue sleeping bag was nuzzled up to my chin as my alarm rung 5:55 a.m. I loosened my grip on my striped pillow and slowly sat up. A cool breeze swept through the cracks in the tin roof, making my warm bed feel warmer. Rubbing my eyes, I grabbed my Bible and journal and shimmied off my bunk bed.
Walking up the steps, I looked to my left and paused. The sun was slowly rising. The warm light moved higher up the mountain, revealing the vibrant green of the trees.
Finally, I arrived at the blue, paint-chipped door. As I heard the faint music within, my spirit filled with excitement. I opened the door and immediately an inexpressible peace consumed my heart, soul, and mind. I took a step back and let the calmness wash over me. The red and white checkered table was piled with paper, tape, and pens of every color imaginable. The once ordinary wooden walls were now covered in Bible verses, words from the Lord, declarations, and prayers. My chills turned into goosebumps as I knew the Spirit of the Lord was there, and moving.
Every hour, for seven hours, two girls woke up and fiercely prayed for this country, this city, and this ministry. After fasting the day prior, we intentionally pursued the Lord in adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. As prayer warriors, we prayed over the violence and fear amidst the presidential election, our ministry here at Loyalty School, our host family, the children without a voice, the lost people of Honduras, and the missionaries dwelling here. As Spirit-filled believers, we used our authority and declared peace, security, comfort, freedom, and a revival in Honduras.
James 5:16 says, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Amen. It is far too easy to make excuses with prayer. I don’t have the time. I don’t know how to. I’m not adequate enough to talk to God. He doesn’t listen. He listens, but doesn’t respond. I get too distracted. I don’t have the right words. He doesn’t care enough about what I have to say. He never answers my prayers, anyway. Sound familiar? Yep. We’ve all been there. But I’m going to call it what it is: excuses and lies straight from the pit of Hell; untruths that we must combat with truth.
You don’t have enough time to pray? Guys, the Kingdom of God is at hand; we don’t have enough time not to pray to the living God. You don’t know how to pray? Scripture gives us an awesome example of how we should pray (Matthew 6:9-13). You don’t think you’re adequate enough to talk to God? The Lord has called you by name and He has chosen you; not because He had to, but because He wanted to (Isaiah 41:9). You don’t think God listens? Cling onto the promises in Scripture that declare the Lord has never forsaken those who seek Him (Psalm 9:10). You don’t believe the Lord is speaking to you? God is speaking to us every day, sometimes we just need to be still, get rid of worldly distractions, and wait patiently for His voice (Psalm 37:7). You get too distracted? Pray against distractions and boldly ask for an undivided heart; He is faithful to provide (Psalm 86:11). You don’t have the words to say? If you believe in Christ, the Holy Spirit lives in you and will speak through you (Mark 13:11). You don’t think God will answer your prayers? Christ is faithful and He delights in your words; He anxiously waits for you to come to Him so He can give you what you need when you need it (Matthew 11:28). You don’t think God cares about what you have to say? God loves you so deeply that He sent His Son to die for you; He created you wonderfully the way you are, and takes pleasure in you; He daily bears our burdens and delights in our salvation. Yes, He cares for you and what you have to say (Psalm 68:19-20).
So I’m going to call you higher. I’m asking you to stop being so complacent. Yes, you, reading this blog right now. Stop what you’re doing. Put your phone down. Get a substitute for your class. Call the babysitter. Whatever you need to do, spend time with your Father who deeply desires intimacy with you. Ask the Lord to quiet the voice of the enemy, the world, and even your own voice. And just start talking. Praise Him for His goodness and faithfulness, confess your shortcomings, give thanks for all He has done and given you, and humbly place your requests. Believe He is faithful to listen and answer your requests in His timing. And be bold.
My hand picked up the closet pen, a dark blue pen, and I started writing. As my words on paper turned into prayers for Honduras, I looked up at the truths around me. My heart was filled with peace. My heart was filled with passion. My eyes led me to Ephesians 3:20-22, “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Amen, and amen.
