I pull my shoes on and walk out the gate. It is just about 5:30a.m. It’s twilight now, the sun is just starting to make its ascent over the horizon towards the wide open sky. All is quiet in my little slice of Phnom Penh this morning.
Our neighbor on the corner is preparing for the day; he sweeps the tile in front of his flat, almost ready to set up his small pastry and bread stand; the livelihood of his family. A smile widens across his face as we engage in our ritual morning greeting. He is smiling and I am genuinely happy to see him.
Bless him, Lord Jesus. Bless his family and their business.
Bless the girl in his care. I am not sure if she is his daughter,
a distant relative, or a child working domestically in his home.
I pray she would know love and care; the love and care of a Father.
I pray she would be able to study and go to school. I pray love and
protection over her. I pray our neighbor would know you personally.
And it would strengthen the bond he has with his family.
I continue down the street. Moto-dopes drop little girls in white stockings, donning bright pink backpacks, and pristinely ironed pleated skirts in front of the elementary & intermediate school. I smile at them, but they quickly avert their gaze. A sheepish grin inches its way out of hiding, as a rosy tint lights its way across their cheeks.
Jesus, protect their hearts. Protect their minds. Protect their virginity.
I pray they would know you Jesus and your salvation.
I pray you are speaking to them louder than society.
I pray you are telling them their worth and when they hear it,
I pray they would believe it.
As I turn the corner I see a Ming (Khmer word for Auntie) starting a fire in her small Khmer BarBQ. A truck pulls up and some young boys unload some folding tables and stools. A couple small tables, one small BarBQ, several little stools, and a handful of plates and silverware. These are the modest contents of her curb-side restaurant.
Jesus, I pray this little noodle stand would make enough income
to feed her family.I pray her children would have the opportunity
to go to school, to learn of your love,to have their fill, and not go hungry.
I pray she would know that when you look on her you see a Daughter
that you dearly love. I pray she feels your presence today.
In the morning, men gather in droves for rice tea and Khmer iced coffee at little shops strung with neon lights. A TV is mounted at the front of the room and Khmer karaoke plays on repeat. Tables are strategically placed with chairs facing the TV. At this time of the morning the men sit around laughing, and talking loudly; I am sure telling stories from the night before. The girls are gone. I pass by so many of these “small businesses” on my morning walk. More strategically covert than beer gardens or massive karaoke establishments, are the sex exchanges that are birthed from here.
Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. I speak your Name, Jesus over this place.
Washed by the blood. Covered by the blood. Transformed by the blood
of you sweet, sweet, Jesus. That is what I pray for the men who are
sitting in these places. I pray conviction. I pray wholeness. I pray sex
with women other than their wives, would become utterly revolting
in their hearts and minds. I pray a renewing of their minds that would
wash them with the water of Christ. I pray that when they walk into
their homes their wives would be absolutely attractive and stunning in
their eyes. I pray peace, love, kindness and gentleness into the men of
Cambodia towards their wives. I pray Khmer households would be
households of love and peace and safety. I pray Jesus over these men,
their families, their wives and their homes.
I began waking up early to walk each morning this week. I start by asking Jesus to meet me on the road and walk with me. I quiet my mind of all the clamor that wants to think about the other hundred things on my “to do” list. I listen for His voice. He is teaching me how to pray. I open my heart to the prayers He is praying, and I pray them with him.
I start at twilight. The city is sleeping and quiet. As I walk and pray the city wakes up. It comes to life. The sun climbs over the horizon and breaks through the clouds, spilling light all over Phnom Penh- God’s mercy and grace, new every morning breaking forth over the city.
As I intercede for others I take note of the joy and contentment in my own heart. In these times, His light, grace and mercy are not only pouring out all over the city, but pouring themselves into my very heart as well.
