In my last blog, "Singin' for the Lord" I talked about a park that we go to often to pray, sing and bring God's presence. We have been there several times to pray for the city, the people there and against any holds of the enemy in the place. It was here that I felt the freedom to sing for the Lord, not once but twice. Also, it was here that Sarah suggested going around to pray over the entire place – for each piece of playground equipment in the park. It was a really cool idea, so we set out to do it. At first I wasn't really sure what to pray for or how to ask God to bless a swingset. I sat down at one of the tables and began to think about the people that I'd seen at the park and those that would come in the future. Who would be sitting at this tiny red table and how could I pray for them?
I began to think first of the older people that come to the park. Old men coming to discuss ideas and politics, old women coming to talk about their grandchildren, old couples enjoying each other's presence. I thought of the young people, the teenagers who hang out here during the summer or after school. I could picture the youngsters just beginning to walk, being fed small snack foods here at this table. After I knew who I was praying for it was easier to take them to the Lord.
Lord, for the elderly men who sit around to talk about the past and the grandmothers that worry over their grandchildren's futures, bring them peace. For this generation that has grown up in Communism, covered with oppression, fear, and conformity, bring them hope for a new way of life. Open their eyes to the reality of You. Open them up to Freedom. For the young generation, those in the midst of figuring out who they are and where they belong, show them that their identity is in You. For the ones who haven't even learned to run yet, protect their precious lives. Keep them innocent and provide them with strong people in their lives to help them grow into godly men and women.
I moved on to bright red see-saw next.
This life moves up and down. Some days I feel so close to You, Jesus. Other days I get lost in my own worries and struggles. God, help these see-sawers to see you throughout the highs and lows. Help them to understand that you have not left them, that you are steady.
The yellow slide was positioned to my left.
God, there are times when you ask us to climb. It takes trust to grab hold and pull ourselves up. It takes courage to keep going higher. For those that play on this slide, give them strong faith to keep taking those steps to climb higher for You. And when they reach the top, Lord, let them know that you are at the bottom waiting with open arms. When you ask them to let go of the handles and slide down give them assurance of your plans for them.
I made my way over to the bench swing last.
There are many couples that have shared this swing and that will continue to come here to enjoy each other's company. When they look for satisfaction in each other show them that You alone can satisfy, Jesus. Bless their marriages and strengthen their love as they meet You and are drawn closer together through Your great love.
As I looked to my right I saw 5 older gentlemen playing chess. Two intense games and a spectator. My lips began to move again in a final prayer for those that the Lord is seeking to love in our park…
There is such great need for You here! These men have lived long, hard lives. They are playing games in the park with the last years of their life. Let them meet You before it's too late! Let them know that there is more to life than past struggles, disappointments and oppressive rulers. Oh God, let them be changed by Your love.
I stood up encouraged and refreshed, knowing that the presence of God was in the park and that he does not disappoint. He is working and continuing to rain down blessings on Targu Mures. Passing by the chess table I stopped to ask if I could watch. They understood and welcomed me. I dared not make a sound as it was an intense match, but I was thankful for a small connection with those that the Lord desires to connect with as well.
I may be in Romania praying over playgrounds and maybe next month in India I'll be praying over prisons where there's no hope, but this isn't just something for the Race. In North Carolina I can remember praying over the seats of Dover Theater at Gardner-Webb University as we asked God to show up. We prayed for the people that would fill up the seats there. We prayed for revival.
Is there a place that's on your heart right now, even as you're reading this? Maybe it's your child's school. Could you pray over the grounds as you drive through to pick them up in the afternoon? Could you pray as you walk down the hallways at work? Pray that God would open your coworkers' eyes and give you an opportunity to talk about Him. Could you pray for your hometown as you walk up and down the aisles of the grocery store or as you stand in line at Wal-Mart? Could you pray over the pews in the sanctuary before worship, inviting the Lord to work in the life of the congregation? What if we prayed for things immediately when we thought about them instead of promising "I'm praying for you" only to forget that night?
I would challenge you, as you're sitting at your computer while you read, stop and take time to pray for those people or situations that just came to your mind. And next time you pass a playground, pray for a mighty generation to be raised up. One that can help bring the Name of Jesus to the whole world.
