We are in a nation where the call to prayer echoes over the loudspeakers of mosques multiple times a day in every city. They show great devotion in keeping this tradition but each time the call to prayer begins it reminds me how ritualistic and impersonal we can make prayer. It has become stale religion.
Prayer was not designed to be impersonal. God invites us to call Him ‘Father’ and gives us the right as His children to talk to Him conversationally. Scripture is filled with calls to prayer, examples of how to pray and people of prayer. Dig into His Word and discover what prayer means and the goodness for yourself.
Our last week in North Africa has been a time of intentionally pouring into prayer. We had the privilege of attending a praise and prayer night with some African members and pastors of the international church one night and it was so encouraging and touching to be in a room (with another team on our squad also) worshipping our Lord and bringing our requests before Him. We sang songs and prayed what was on our hearts, for each other and desperately cried out for revival in this nation. It was an open space where Gods spirit was present and it was so sweet.
We also had the opportunity to participate in a day of prayer at the house we are staying at with other believers who are working in this nation. They gather every month to deliberately come before the throne of Jesus and present their requests for this nation. They shared the current challenges facing this country and we prayed through them. They prioritise prayer and believe that prayer works; that God answers prayers and gives more than all we ask or imagine.
It reminds me of my youth pastor growing up that would always quote, ‘What if prayer was the work and ministry the outcome’. He pushed prayer as a priority throughout my time in that church and I’m thankful for the valuable lesson he helped instil.
As a team here this month we are also wanting to engage in prayer walks through our neighbourhood. Specifically we are praying for this area to experience Jesus, to be a place of peace and protection (especially for women), to bless businesses and the education of children and asking God to reveal by His Spirit what it is that He wants us to do and who to engage with.
Niki and I went on a prayer walk the other day and ended up at a cute little patisserie. While we enjoyed some delicious treats we felt led to write encouraging notes to the women working there. So we challenged ourselves and decided to be a bit creative and wrote out what we believed God wanted to share with those women in Arabic and French. We are believing that it will have an impact and we plan on continuing to visit this place and establish some relationships. Sometimes ministry is as simple as a little note of encouragement. But we believe in a God who is far greater and can move in ways beyond what we can hope or imagine.
I have seen firsthand the value in pouring into prayer, engaging intentionally in conversation with our Father and my team is far richer because of it. I love hearing my team pray, because not only is it powerful but I get a taste of His character and His love through their words as they pour out their hearts to Him.
Prayer requests:
Please pray for us as we prepare different events this month in North Africa for the international church. We are excited for what God is going to do through them for His glory. They are:
•beauty for ashes women’s retreat (check out my team mates Niki’s blogs nikidean.theworldrace.org to find out more about this women’s ministry)
•professional development workshops
•bible studies
•Pray also for my team and I as we explore more of what listening prayer looks like for us.
•Pray for my team members as they are still fundraising that they would all be fully funded!
Also a massive thank you for your support and your continued prayers. My team and I have felt consistently covered in prayer and that is a huge blessing.
