First of all, I encourage you to make petitions, prayers, intercessions, and prayers of thanks for all people. [1 Timothy 2:1 (GW)]
Walking through the farmer’s market in a nearby town, I was surprised to look over and see a bright red banner saying “Prayer Station.” Curious, I walked over and introduced myself. Manning the station were two members of a small local church. People are there every Saturday morning, summer and winter, fair weather or foul, giving friendly greetings to passers-by. If someone stops, they offer a listening ear and prayers, if so desired. Prayer stations like theirs actually started in 2001 when Youth with a Mission (YWAM) established them around New York City following the September 11th attacks.
Although there are days when no one wants to pray, fifteen people paused to ask for prayers last week. This prayer station offers more than an opportunity for prayer; it offers a starting point for the sharing of faith. It begins when people’s immediate needs are addressed in prayer and continues with their introduction to Jesus. The evangelism, however, was so low key that I had to ask the name of their church. This mission is not about building church membership but about building God’s kingdom. It is about sharing His love and making Him known. In fact, one worker confided it is the easiest missionary work she’s ever done. The best part, she added, is when people return and share their stories of answered prayers! In addition to offering prayers, they often direct the homeless, mentally ill, or abused to agencies and organizations that can provide them with much needed services.
Perhaps they were surprised when I offered a prayer of thanksgiving for them and their mission rather than asking their prayers for me. We chatted a bit more and I shared that their prayer station had provided me with another devotion idea. Before my departure, one prayer warrior offered a prayer for me asking God to make me as comfortable and bold witnessing with the spoken word as I am with the written. Since this is something about which I also pray, either she is very intuitive or the Holy Spirit guided her prayers! I’m inclined to think the latter.
“We’re a church that believes in the power of prayer,” says our pastor as he invites those in need of intercession to join with prayer warriors at the front of the church following services. Been there and done that and I do, indeed, believe in the power of prayer. While not all of us are well-suited to standing on a corner (or even at the front of the church) and praying with strangers, we are all capable of praying with family and friends. I think back to a dinner party when one of the guests (a stranger to me) asked if we’d all join in prayer for a friend in another state. I don’t recall the exact reason for our prayer but I do remember knowing that joining in prayer is what Christians should always do for their brothers and sisters. We don’t need to have an official patented “Prayer Station” to offer prayers; we can carry that station with us wherever we go.
We were strolling through downtown during a street festival when we came upon the “bird lady.” With three parrots on her shoulders, she was surrounded by a number of people. I assumed she was a street entertainer who expected to be paid for pictures with the birds. As I ventured closer, however, she offered to let me hold one of her parrots. Never having touched a bird, I accepted her offer, anticipating a request for money. While the colorful bird wandered up and down my arm, the woman offered me a little food to give the beautiful animal. As my husband grabbed the camera from my purse, I kept looking for the tip jar or expecting to be asked for a “donation.” Instead, when I returned the bird, she handed me a small leaflet, saying “Here’s something about Jesus.” When I responded “God bless you” she said, “If you know Him, pass it on!” The crowd closed in and we continued walking on our way. Another person would soon experience three friendly parrots, an interesting woman, some Christian love and God’s good news. It was a mini-example of God’s grace. While I kept thinking I had to pay for the encounter, it came at no cost to me; it was given out of love—love of Jesus! Unexpected, undeserved and free—that’s grace in a nutshell!
It’s a matter of perspective. When in Egypt, the Israelites hated being slaves to their cruel masters yet, every time they faced danger or difficulty, they longed to return there. This past March, my Florida friends wore gloves, jackets, and hats and complained of the cold when the temperature fell to 60 degrees. That same month, we were in the mountains of Colorado. When it got to 60 degrees there, off came the hats, gloves and jackets and people ate outside! Yesterday, my mother-in-law commented on the unseasonable heat in Illinois—it was 80 degrees! On the other hand, when it only got to 80 here in Florida, the weatherman called it “unseasonably cool.” It’s a matter of perspective.
Today is the National Day of Prayer. Back in 1952, during the Korean War, the Reverend Billy Graham challenged our nation’s leaders with these words: “What a thrilling, glorious thing it would be to see the leaders of our country today kneeling before Almighty God in prayer. What a thrill would sweep this country. What renewed hope and courage would grip the Americans at this hour of peril.” In response, members of the House and Senate introduced a joint resolution for an annual National Day of Prayer, “on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals.” President Truman signed a bill proclaiming that a National Day of Prayer must be declared by each subsequent president at an appropriate date of his choice. In 1988, the law was amended and the first Thursday in May was designated as our National Day of Prayer. The day’s purpose is to unite people of all religions in prayer and to renew respect for God throughout the world. This being the United States, the constitutionality of this law has been challenged several times. Fortunately, the challenges have been unsuccessful—chalk one up for the good guys!
Recently, we provided dinner for a local skateboard church ministry that serves teens and young adults. If church is a hospital for wretched souls, this one is a MASH unit for them! Most of the youth have troubled pasts and few come from faith-based homes or with any knowledge of the Bible. Many, however, have transformed their lives as they have come to know Jesus through this ministry.
Devotions of the Heart 