Thursday, October 15, 2009

Dearest God,

Twenty four years. Twenty four years. The Prayer Warriors have been praying for my family for twenty four years.

Just as I was checking out at Kroger's, I turned to see Aldith, close to 90 years old and a member of the Prayer Warriors. She waved at me. I moved my cart near the door and waited until she checked out. We walked into each other's arms.

Aldith has been a member of Calvary United Methodist Church for decades. She's been a member of the prayer ministry for many years. I was one of their pastors for ten years. I remember back when my husband was appointed to that church in 1986.

One of my first experiences with the church was a study we had been invited to attend on a Saturday night. Wanting to get acquainted we joined the group meeting. At the end of the evening one of the members invited us to sit in two chairs in the middle of the circle. When we were seated all the participants circled around us, laid their hands on our heads, shoulders and backs and they prayed fervently for our ministry, our family, and our spoken needs. That was the beginning of their ongoing prayer for us.

"I know you are struggling," she told me in the store, "so we have you on our Prayer Warrior list on Wednesday mornings. You are also on the men's list who get together to pray on Wednesday nights." Warm tears filled my eyes as I grabbed hold of her one more time and hugged her.

Twenty four years. Who would willingly pray for me every week for 24 years? It is mind boggling to me. However, I know you are the master orchestrator of prayer, O Lord. You placed me on their list a long time ago and they continue to pray.

Dearest God,
who am I
but a speck
on this earth,
someone for whom
you care.
You connect people
through prayer.
Love unfolds,
trust takes root,
and faith
grows strong.
Humbled,
I am humbled
by such grace
and agape love.
I am grateful,
Precious Lord,
for Aldith and Florence and Frances and...

Love, Andrea