Monday, October 28, 2013

Prayer is the Work

(The following post was published here on the College Park Church Blog for REACH month.)
"Dear God, I pray that the Smiths* would not be eaten by big, gigantic worms!"
This is the daily prayer of my four year old little warrior. He usually follows it up with the swooshing and swinging of his invisible sword to attack any imagined dangers in the room.
Our family is a part of a prayer team for a missionary family, the Smiths*, who serve in a country in South East Asia. They have access to the small tribes in the area due to a water filtration business. They can teach about Living Water while meeting a basic need of the people in their community.
Our prayer team is called a Barnabas Group, meaning encouragers. Once a month, our group meets to pray through the latest update of praises and requests. God is at work in this unreached people group, and we've been able to sit in the passenger seat and watch His mighty hand move.
Praying for the Smiths has become a way of life for our family. As we start our day, it's the Smith's bedtime, and we ask that God would remove the spiritual darkness that seems to surround their home at night and give them rest. During our Bible lessons, we talk to God about their updated requests. My little guy particularly likes to pray about the snakes and poisonous centipedes, which he calls worms. When I'm drifting to sleep, I ask that God would empower their new day with the Gospel.
Though Barnabas means encourager, we come away most often encouraged by them. God continually answers prayer, the boldness of their faith challenges us, and their own prayer life is inspirational. When we Skyped with them this summer, we were all challenged with Mrs. Smith's prayer life, even with three young children under-toe in a poverty-stricken country. She has grown convinced that prayer itself is the work God has called us to do. Then, as we faithfully serve Him, He responds to our prayers by answering and moving in the hearts and lives of others.
Prayer is the work.
For months, that idea has stuck with me. I have to admit, I don't usually think of it like that. I list out all of the work I have to do, or all of the plans I have for my life, or all of the people in my circle who are lost, and I add prayer as one of the items on my to-do list.
But to think of prayer as the actual main task of my day - it's really life-altering. I pray. Then, I let my hands loosen their grip on the steering wheel of my life so I can watch God at work faithfully through my efforts, not because of my efforts. And then the glory goes right back to Him!
The friendship we've developed with the Smiths is precious as well. When my husband was recently hospitalized from a a motorcycle accident, they assured me that they were taking the "night shift," praying during their day while he was asleep at night. What an encouragement!
I'm also thankful that my children are connected around the world with a basic understanding that there is more to life than America. I'd love to experience mission trips with them one day, but until then, our Barnabas group gives our children a personal glimpse into God's work on the other side of the world.
I would encourage all followers of Christ to make a connection with someone else who is spreading the love of Jesus in a land that seems so far away and unreachable. Our vision of God has grown as we've been able to watch Him work in numerous ways, from the gospel light that's being brought to an unreached world to the "gigantic worms" that have stayed a safe distance away.
"He who refreshes others will Himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25b
If you'd like information on being a part of a Barnabas team at College Park, visit here.  Then click on the individual countries to see what groups are available in each area. You may find that specific missionary names are not published in order to protect the position they have in their country.
* Name changed for protection of family
- See more at: http://www.yourchurch.com/the-college-park-blog/prayer-is-the-work/#sthash.mfEHdI5k.dpuf




"Dear God, I pray that the Smiths* would not be eaten by big, gigantic worms!"

This is the daily prayer of my four year old little warrior. He usually follows it up with the swooshing and swinging of his invisible sword to attack any imagined dangers in the room.

Our family is a part of a prayer team for a missionary family, the Smiths*, who serve in a country in South East Asia. They have access to the small tribes in the area due to a water filtration business. They can teach about Living Water while meeting a basic need of the people in their community.

Our prayer team is called a Barnabas Group, meaning encouragers. Once a month, our group meets to pray through the latest update of praises and requests. God is at work in this unreached people group, and we've been able to sit in the passenger seat and watch His mighty hand move.

Praying for the Smiths has become a way of life for our family. As we start our day, it's the Smith's bedtime, and we ask that God would remove the spiritual darkness that seems to surround their home at night and give them rest. During our Bible lessons, we talk to God about their updated requests. My little guy particularly likes to pray about the snakes and poisonous centipedes, which he calls worms. When I'm drifting to sleep, I ask that God would empower their new day with the Gospel.

Though Barnabas means encourager, we come away most often encouraged by them. God continually answers prayer, the boldness of their faith challenges us, and their own prayer life is inspirational. When we Skyped with them this summer, we were all challenged with Mrs. Smith's prayer life, even with three young children under-toe in a poverty-stricken country. She has grown convinced that prayer itself is the work God has called us to do. Then, as we faithfully serve Him, He responds to our prayers by answering and moving in the hearts and lives of others.

Prayer is the work.

For months, that idea has stuck with me. I have to admit, I don't usually think of it like that. I list out all of the work I have to do, or all of the plans I have for my life, or all of the people in my circle who are lost, and I add prayer as one of the items on my to-do list.

But to think of prayer as the actual main task of my day - it's really life-altering. I pray. Then, I let my hands loosen their grip on the steering wheel of my life so I can watch God at work faithfully through my efforts, not because of my efforts. And then the glory goes right back to Him!

The friendship we've developed with the Smiths is precious as well. When my husband was recently hospitalized from a a motorcycle accident, they assured me that they were taking the "night shift," praying during their day while he was asleep at night. What an encouragement!

I'm also thankful that my children are connected around the world with a basic understanding that there is more to life than America. I'd love to experience mission trips with them one day, but until then, our Barnabas group gives our children a personal glimpse into God's work on the other side of the world.

I would encourage all followers of Christ to make a connection with someone else who is spreading the love of Jesus in a land that seems so far away and unreachable. Our vision of God has grown as we've been able to watch Him work in numerous ways, from the gospel light that's being brought to an unreached world to the "gigantic worms" that have stayed a safe distance away.

"He who refreshes others will Himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25b

If you'd like information on being a part of a Barnabas team at College Park, visit here.  Then click on the individual countries to see what groups are available in each area. You may find that specific missionary names are not published in order to protect the position they have in their country.

* Name changed for protection of family
 

"Dear God, I pray that the Smiths* would not be eaten by big, gigantic worms!"
This is the daily prayer of my four year old little warrior. He usually follows it up with the swooshing and swinging of his invisible sword to attack any imagined dangers in the room.
Our family is a part of a prayer team for a missionary family, the Smiths*, who serve in a country in South East Asia. They have access to the small tribes in the area due to a water filtration business. They can teach about Living Water while meeting a basic need of the people in their community.
Our prayer team is called a Barnabas Group, meaning encouragers. Once a month, our group meets to pray through the latest update of praises and requests. God is at work in this unreached people group, and we've been able to sit in the passenger seat and watch His mighty hand move.
Praying for the Smiths has become a way of life for our family. As we start our day, it's the Smith's bedtime, and we ask that God would remove the spiritual darkness that seems to surround their home at night and give them rest. During our Bible lessons, we talk to God about their updated requests. My little guy particularly likes to pray about the snakes and poisonous centipedes, which he calls worms. When I'm drifting to sleep, I ask that God would empower their new day with the Gospel.
Though Barnabas means encourager, we come away most often encouraged by them. God continually answers prayer, the boldness of their faith challenges us, and their own prayer life is inspirational. When we Skyped with them this summer, we were all challenged with Mrs. Smith's prayer life, even with three young children under-toe in a poverty-stricken country. She has grown convinced that prayer itself is the work God has called us to do. Then, as we faithfully serve Him, He responds to our prayers by answering and moving in the hearts and lives of others.
Prayer is the work.
For months, that idea has stuck with me. I have to admit, I don't usually think of it like that. I list out all of the work I have to do, or all of the plans I have for my life, or all of the people in my circle who are lost, and I add prayer as one of the items on my to-do list.
But to think of prayer as the actual main task of my day - it's really life-altering. I pray. Then, I let my hands loosen their grip on the steering wheel of my life so I can watch God at work faithfully through my efforts, not because of my efforts. And then the glory goes right back to Him!
The friendship we've developed with the Smiths is precious as well. When my husband was recently hospitalized from a a motorcycle accident, they assured me that they were taking the "night shift," praying during their day while he was asleep at night. What an encouragement!
I'm also thankful that my children are connected around the world with a basic understanding that there is more to life than America. I'd love to experience mission trips with them one day, but until then, our Barnabas group gives our children a personal glimpse into God's work on the other side of the world.
I would encourage all followers of Christ to make a connection with someone else who is spreading the love of Jesus in a land that seems so far away and unreachable. Our vision of God has grown as we've been able to watch Him work in numerous ways, from the gospel light that's being brought to an unreached world to the "gigantic worms" that have stayed a safe distance away.
"He who refreshes others will Himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25b
If you'd like information on being a part of a Barnabas team at College Park, visit here.  Then click on the individual countries to see what groups are available in each area. You may find that specific missionary names are not published in order to protect the position they have in their country.
* Name changed for protection of family
- See more at: http://www.yourchurch.com/the-college-park-blog/prayer-is-the-work/#sthash.mfEHdI5k.dpuf
"Dear God, I pray that the Smiths* would not be eaten by big, gigantic worms!"
This is the daily prayer of my four year old little warrior. He usually follows it up with the swooshing and swinging of his invisible sword to attack any imagined dangers in the room.
Our family is a part of a prayer team for a missionary family, the Smiths*, who serve in a country in South East Asia. They have access to the small tribes in the area due to a water filtration business. They can teach about Living Water while meeting a basic need of the people in their community.
Our prayer team is called a Barnabas Group, meaning encouragers. Once a month, our group meets to pray through the latest update of praises and requests. God is at work in this unreached people group, and we've been able to sit in the passenger seat and watch His mighty hand move.
Praying for the Smiths has become a way of life for our family. As we start our day, it's the Smith's bedtime, and we ask that God would remove the spiritual darkness that seems to surround their home at night and give them rest. During our Bible lessons, we talk to God about their updated requests. My little guy particularly likes to pray about the snakes and poisonous centipedes, which he calls worms. When I'm drifting to sleep, I ask that God would empower their new day with the Gospel.
Though Barnabas means encourager, we come away most often encouraged by them. God continually answers prayer, the boldness of their faith challenges us, and their own prayer life is inspirational. When we Skyped with them this summer, we were all challenged with Mrs. Smith's prayer life, even with three young children under-toe in a poverty-stricken country. She has grown convinced that prayer itself is the work God has called us to do. Then, as we faithfully serve Him, He responds to our prayers by answering and moving in the hearts and lives of others.
Prayer is the work.
For months, that idea has stuck with me. I have to admit, I don't usually think of it like that. I list out all of the work I have to do, or all of the plans I have for my life, or all of the people in my circle who are lost, and I add prayer as one of the items on my to-do list.
But to think of prayer as the actual main task of my day - it's really life-altering. I pray. Then, I let my hands loosen their grip on the steering wheel of my life so I can watch God at work faithfully through my efforts, not because of my efforts. And then the glory goes right back to Him!
The friendship we've developed with the Smiths is precious as well. When my husband was recently hospitalized from a a motorcycle accident, they assured me that they were taking the "night shift," praying during their day while he was asleep at night. What an encouragement!
I'm also thankful that my children are connected around the world with a basic understanding that there is more to life than America. I'd love to experience mission trips with them one day, but until then, our Barnabas group gives our children a personal glimpse into God's work on the other side of the world.
I would encourage all followers of Christ to make a connection with someone else who is spreading the love of Jesus in a land that seems so far away and unreachable. Our vision of God has grown as we've been able to watch Him work in numerous ways, from the gospel light that's being brought to an unreached world to the "gigantic worms" that have stayed a safe distance away.
"He who refreshes others will Himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25b
If you'd like information on being a part of a Barnabas team at College Park, visit here.  Then click on the individual countries to see what groups are available in each area. You may find that specific missionary names are not published in order to protect the position they have in their country.
* Name changed for protection of family
- See more at: http://www.yourchurch.com/the-college-park-blog/prayer-is-the-work/#sthash.mfEHdI5k.dpuf
"Dear God, I pray that the Smiths* would not be eaten by big, gigantic worms!"
This is the daily prayer of my four year old little warrior. He usually follows it up with the swooshing and swinging of his invisible sword to attack any imagined dangers in the room.
Our family is a part of a prayer team for a missionary family, the Smiths*, who serve in a country in South East Asia. They have access to the small tribes in the area due to a water filtration business. They can teach about Living Water while meeting a basic need of the people in their community.
Our prayer team is called a Barnabas Group, meaning encouragers. Once a month, our group meets to pray through the latest update of praises and requests. God is at work in this unreached people group, and we've been able to sit in the passenger seat and watch His mighty hand move.
Praying for the Smiths has become a way of life for our family. As we start our day, it's the Smith's bedtime, and we ask that God would remove the spiritual darkness that seems to surround their home at night and give them rest. During our Bible lessons, we talk to God about their updated requests. My little guy particularly likes to pray about the snakes and poisonous centipedes, which he calls worms. When I'm drifting to sleep, I ask that God would empower their new day with the Gospel.
Though Barnabas means encourager, we come away most often encouraged by them. God continually answers prayer, the boldness of their faith challenges us, and their own prayer life is inspirational. When we Skyped with them this summer, we were all challenged with Mrs. Smith's prayer life, even with three young children under-toe in a poverty-stricken country. She has grown convinced that prayer itself is the work God has called us to do. Then, as we faithfully serve Him, He responds to our prayers by answering and moving in the hearts and lives of others.
Prayer is the work.
For months, that idea has stuck with me. I have to admit, I don't usually think of it like that. I list out all of the work I have to do, or all of the plans I have for my life, or all of the people in my circle who are lost, and I add prayer as one of the items on my to-do list.
But to think of prayer as the actual main task of my day - it's really life-altering. I pray. Then, I let my hands loosen their grip on the steering wheel of my life so I can watch God at work faithfully through my efforts, not because of my efforts. And then the glory goes right back to Him!
The friendship we've developed with the Smiths is precious as well. When my husband was recently hospitalized from a a motorcycle accident, they assured me that they were taking the "night shift," praying during their day while he was asleep at night. What an encouragement!
I'm also thankful that my children are connected around the world with a basic understanding that there is more to life than America. I'd love to experience mission trips with them one day, but until then, our Barnabas group gives our children a personal glimpse into God's work on the other side of the world.
I would encourage all followers of Christ to make a connection with someone else who is spreading the love of Jesus in a land that seems so far away and unreachable. Our vision of God has grown as we've been able to watch Him work in numerous ways, from the gospel light that's being brought to an unreached world to the "gigantic worms" that have stayed a safe distance away.
"He who refreshes others will Himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25b
If you'd like information on being a part of a Barnabas team at College Park, visit here.  Then click on the individual countries to see what groups are available in each area. You may find that specific missionary names are not published in order to protect the position they have in their country.
* Name changed for protection of family
- See more at: http://www.yourchurch.com/the-college-park-blog/prayer-is-the-work/#sthash.mfEHdI5k.
"Dear God, I pray that the Smiths* would not be eaten by big, gigantic worms!"
This is the daily prayer of my four year old little warrior. He usually follows it up with the swooshing and swinging of his invisible sword to attack any imagined dangers in the room.
Our family is a part of a prayer team for a missionary family, the Smiths*, who serve in a country in South East Asia. They have access to the small tribes in the area due to a water filtration business. They can teach about Living Water while meeting a basic need of the people in their community.
Our prayer team is called a Barnabas Group, meaning encouragers. Once a month, our group meets to pray through the latest update of praises and requests. God is at work in this unreached people group, and we've been able to sit in the passenger seat and watch His mighty hand move.
Praying for the Smiths has become a way of life for our family. As we start our day, it's the Smith's bedtime, and we ask that God would remove the spiritual darkness that seems to surround their home at night and give them rest. During our Bible lessons, we talk to God about their updated requests. My little guy particularly likes to pray about the snakes and poisonous centipedes, which he calls worms. When I'm drifting to sleep, I ask that God would empower their new day with the Gospel.
Though Barnabas means encourager, we come away most often encouraged by them. God continually answers prayer, the boldness of their faith challenges us, and their own prayer life is inspirational. When we Skyped with them this summer, we were all challenged with Mrs. Smith's prayer life, even with three young children under-toe in a poverty-stricken country. She has grown convinced that prayer itself is the work God has called us to do. Then, as we faithfully serve Him, He responds to our prayers by answering and moving in the hearts and lives of others.
Prayer is the work.
For months, that idea has stuck with me. I have to admit, I don't usually think of it like that. I list out all of the work I have to do, or all of the plans I have for my life, or all of the people in my circle who are lost, and I add prayer as one of the items on my to-do list.
But to think of prayer as the actual main task of my day - it's really life-altering. I pray. Then, I let my hands loosen their grip on the steering wheel of my life so I can watch God at work faithfully through my efforts, not because of my efforts. And then the glory goes right back to Him!
The friendship we've developed with the Smiths is precious as well. When my husband was recently hospitalized from a a motorcycle accident, they assured me that they were taking the "night shift," praying during their day while he was asleep at night. What an encouragement!
I'm also thankful that my children are connected around the world with a basic understanding that there is more to life than America. I'd love to experience mission trips with them one day, but until then, our Barnabas group gives our children a personal glimpse into God's work on the other side of the world.
I would encourage all followers of Christ to make a connection with someone else who is spreading the love of Jesus in a land that seems so far away and unreachable. Our vision of God has grown as we've been able to watch Him work in numerous ways, from the gospel light that's being brought to an unreached world to the "gigantic worms" that have stayed a safe distance away.
"He who refreshes others will Himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25b
If you'd like information on being a part of a Barnabas team at College Park, visit here.  Then click on the individual countries to see what groups are available in each area. You may find that specific missionary names are not published in order to protect the position they have in their country.
* Name changed for protection of family
- See more at: http://www.yourchurch.com/the-college-park-blog/prayer-is-the-work/#sthash.mfEHdI5k.dpuf
"Dear God, I pray that the Smiths* would not be eaten by big, gigantic worms!"
This is the daily prayer of my four year old little warrior. He usually follows it up with the swooshing and swinging of his invisible sword to attack any imagined dangers in the room.
Our family is a part of a prayer team for a missionary family, the Smiths*, who serve in a country in South East Asia. They have access to the small tribes in the area due to a water filtration business. They can teach about Living Water while meeting a basic need of the people in their community.
Our prayer team is called a Barnabas Group, meaning encouragers. Once a month, our group meets to pray through the latest update of praises and requests. God is at work in this unreached people group, and we've been able to sit in the passenger seat and watch His mighty hand move.
Praying for the Smiths has become a way of life for our family. As we start our day, it's the Smith's bedtime, and we ask that God would remove the spiritual darkness that seems to surround their home at night and give them rest. During our Bible lessons, we talk to God about their updated requests. My little guy particularly likes to pray about the snakes and poisonous centipedes, which he calls worms. When I'm drifting to sleep, I ask that God would empower their new day with the Gospel.
Though Barnabas means encourager, we come away most often encouraged by them. God continually answers prayer, the boldness of their faith challenges us, and their own prayer life is inspirational. When we Skyped with them this summer, we were all challenged with Mrs. Smith's prayer life, even with three young children under-toe in a poverty-stricken country. She has grown convinced that prayer itself is the work God has called us to do. Then, as we faithfully serve Him, He responds to our prayers by answering and moving in the hearts and lives of others.
Prayer is the work.
For months, that idea has stuck with me. I have to admit, I don't usually think of it like that. I list out all of the work I have to do, or all of the plans I have for my life, or all of the people in my circle who are lost, and I add prayer as one of the items on my to-do list.
But to think of prayer as the actual main task of my day - it's really life-altering. I pray. Then, I let my hands loosen their grip on the steering wheel of my life so I can watch God at work faithfully through my efforts, not because of my efforts. And then the glory goes right back to Him!
The friendship we've developed with the Smiths is precious as well. When my husband was recently hospitalized from a a motorcycle accident, they assured me that they were taking the "night shift," praying during their day while he was asleep at night. What an encouragement!
I'm also thankful that my children are connected around the world with a basic understanding that there is more to life than America. I'd love to experience mission trips with them one day, but until then, our Barnabas group gives our children a personal glimpse into God's work on the other side of the world.
I would encourage all followers of Christ to make a connection with someone else who is spreading the love of Jesus in a land that seems so far away and unreachable. Our vision of God has grown as we've been able to watch Him work in numerous ways, from the gospel light that's being brought to an unreached world to the "gigantic worms" that have stayed a safe distance away.
"He who refreshes others will Himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25b
If you'd like information on being a part of a Barnabas team at College Park, visit here.  Then click on the individual countries to see what groups are available in each area. You may find that specific missionary names are not published in order to protect the position they have in their country.
* Name changed for protection of family
- See more at: http://www.yourchurch.com/the-college-park-blog/prayer-is-the-work/#sthash.mfEHdI5k.dpuf
"Dear God, I pray that the Smiths* would not be eaten by big, gigantic worms!"
This is the daily prayer of my four year old little warrior. He usually follows it up with the swooshing and swinging of his invisible sword to attack any imagined dangers in the room.
Our family is a part of a prayer team for a missionary family, the Smiths*, who serve in a country in South East Asia. They have access to the small tribes in the area due to a water filtration business. They can teach about Living Water while meeting a basic need of the people in their community.
Our prayer team is called a Barnabas Group, meaning encouragers. Once a month, our group meets to pray through the latest update of praises and requests. God is at work in this unreached people group, and we've been able to sit in the passenger seat and watch His mighty hand move.
Praying for the Smiths has become a way of life for our family. As we start our day, it's the Smith's bedtime, and we ask that God would remove the spiritual darkness that seems to surround their home at night and give them rest. During our Bible lessons, we talk to God about their updated requests. My little guy particularly likes to pray about the snakes and poisonous centipedes, which he calls worms. When I'm drifting to sleep, I ask that God would empower their new day with the Gospel.
Though Barnabas means encourager, we come away most often encouraged by them. God continually answers prayer, the boldness of their faith challenges us, and their own prayer life is inspirational. When we Skyped with them this summer, we were all challenged with Mrs. Smith's prayer life, even with three young children under-toe in a poverty-stricken country. She has grown convinced that prayer itself is the work God has called us to do. Then, as we faithfully serve Him, He responds to our prayers by answering and moving in the hearts and lives of others.
Prayer is the work.
For months, that idea has stuck with me. I have to admit, I don't usually think of it like that. I list out all of the work I have to do, or all of the plans I have for my life, or all of the people in my circle who are lost, and I add prayer as one of the items on my to-do list.
But to think of prayer as the actual main task of my day - it's really life-altering. I pray. Then, I let my hands loosen their grip on the steering wheel of my life so I can watch God at work faithfully through my efforts, not because of my efforts. And then the glory goes right back to Him!
The friendship we've developed with the Smiths is precious as well. When my husband was recently hospitalized from a a motorcycle accident, they assured me that they were taking the "night shift," praying during their day while he was asleep at night. What an encouragement!
I'm also thankful that my children are connected around the world with a basic understanding that there is more to life than America. I'd love to experience mission trips with them one day, but until then, our Barnabas group gives our children a personal glimpse into God's work on the other side of the world.
I would encourage all followers of Christ to make a connection with someone else who is spreading the love of Jesus in a land that seems so far away and unreachable. Our vision of God has grown as we've been able to watch Him work in numerous ways, from the gospel light that's being brought to an unreached world to the "gigantic worms" that have stayed a safe distance away.
"He who refreshes others will Himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25b
If you'd like information on being a part of a Barnabas team at College Park, visit here.  Then click on the individual countries to see what groups are available in each area. You may find that specific missionary names are not published in order to protect the position they have in their country.
* Name changed for protection of family
- See more at: http://www.yourchurch.com/the-college-park-blog/prayer-is-the-work/#sthash.mfEHdI5k.dpuf

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