Intercession (the sweaty way)

In just 3 short days I will leave on my 2nd ever out-of-the-country mission trip.  I explained in my last post many of the last minute preparations that I have to do this week. AND there are still lots of them.  But one specific way I got to prepare was this past Sunday night with this ragtag crew.

These are some of the dearest people on the face of the earth to me.  Best friends.  The sticking close kind.  The overlooking my faults kind.  The hanging in there kind.  The stubborn faith kind. For the better part of ten years I have had these two couples encouraging and challenging me. Not only are these ladies like my sisters but there husbands are like protective big brothers as well.

We share it all.  The good, the funny, the bad, and sometimes, the really ugly.

Our common thread is Jesus Christ.  He is the anchor that holds us and the light that leads our way.  We teach about Him, sing about Him, and try to live our lives in a manner that pleases and honors Him.

Ok...so back to Sunday night....

Two of the the six of us are leaving on Friday morning for our mission trip.  The other four circled us and prayed commissioning prayers and read the Word over us.

Let me set the scene lest you think it was picturesque and perfect.  We were on the back deck.  It was blazing hot.  We had a little wiener dog licking our bare feet and investigating with his nose.  We could hear some our kids laughing and playing in the back yard below. Some of the others were playing video games inside. Caroline sat close by in her wheel chair and observed it all while occasionally showing her disdain for the lack of attention directed at her.

In spite of the distractions this was the best preparation for this trip I have done so far.

The prayers prayed on that deck went ahead of us.  They will hem us in.  They will protect and equip.  They were filled with faith and I believe God was delighted to hear them.

Our prayer time took less than 15 minutes but it's impact may affect the lives of those we get to minister to forever....what an amazing God!

This intimate time would have been an easy thing not to do.  A blessing missed.  An opportunity wasted.  But I am so thrilled to have some folks who made the time and effort to do what is most important. 

I hope to bring back many stories and examples of God' provision, protection, and power displayed on our trip.  Prayer matters.  Prayer moves the heart of God.  Prayer makes us aware of our need of Him.  


2 Corinthians 1:11  "You must also help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many."