Our international church headquarters, UPCI, has an annual program that kicks off the New Year with 30 days of prayer and fasting. This past Wednesday night, we had prayer instead of the usual Bible study. Just when I thought I was going to get some good snapshots, the camera battery died after only three pics. Anyway, back to the story. The service began with a praise chorus and a spirit of worship moved into the sanctuary. Following the song, we began to pray collectively. There was a time of prayer for the youth, single adults, and married couples praying for each other. At one point, several of the small children went to the platform and sat on the choir steps waiting for the children's minister to pray for them. Some of the young boys huddled in prayer and little girls joined hands in prayer. They were all so sincere in their prayer and I wanted to share the few pics I was able to get. Although the children touched my heart, it was another part of the service that really got to me. During our time of prayer, my husband said he has always wanted our church to be an honest church. If we are struggling or feeling weak, don't hide it with an "I'm okay." Be honest enough to admit I am going through a rough time. My husband then asked, "If you are willing to disclose you have had a rough time praying or a season of struggle, please come to the front and we will have the ministry team pray for you." The first person to step forward was an elderly man that has been a saint for decades. As a child, I used to spend Sunday afternoons playing with my dear friend who is the daughter of this gentle, sweet man. Now some people were surprised to think this man could in any way be weak because they view him as a pillar in the congregation, yet he wanted a fresh touch from the Lord. As the ministry team prayed for him, he began to worship and you could literally see the joy of Jesus sweep over him. It was so beautiful and so touching. Of course, this began a flood of people hungering for a fresh touch. I somehow believe God used this man's honesty to encourage everyone. I know I was deeply moved. My heart was overwhelmed to see so many tears on faces from the very young to the old. We concluded with the old chorus that goes like this -Jesus is the sweetest name I know,
and He's just the same as His lovely name,
that's the reason why I love him so,
for Jesus is the sweetest name I know.
I hope you have a blessed time when you attend your next church service.
Yes Jana, that was a very powerful service!
ReplyDeleteHi Jana,
ReplyDeleteIt's alway beautiful to see the move of God when people pray in sincerity. I have seen many times where God has blessed a congregation because someone stepped out in faith and obeyed God. It's like that person becomes the keep that opens the door to God's blessings. It was really good seeing you today. All of our quizzer and coaches enjoyed our time spent in Delano. I'm sorry I didn't get to say an official good-bye before we left. After the trophies, we were ready to hit the road. I got into my car to take off, but it wouldn't start! I found out some kids had been playing with the power doors, and I think that ran down the battery. We found someone with jumper cables that helped us out, and we made it home. Anyhow, our thanks to you and your husband and the church for hosting the tournament. It was a good experience for everyone. :-)
Brian - I think we could all handle a repeat.
ReplyDeleteCarol - I'm so glad you got to visit our little town. Were your accommodations alright? I wish I would have known about your car. Brian always keeps jumper cables in the truck. Glad you made it home safe. Your team did a great job! I didn't catch the name of the young boy that was sitting in front of us, but I sure did enjoy his enthusiasm. Bible Quizzing is such a great sport. AND, it is a sport that won't hurt you.
Your husband has great wisdom in the handling of God's people as reflected in his words (and his actions). The confirmation of this is seen in the sincere raising of Holy hands by the children. Such precious, moving pictures.
ReplyDeleteKaren - thank you for your kind words. Preachers usually do not receive such sweet remarks. We both love you and your husband dearly.
ReplyDeleteJana, this is so beautiful! I'm glad you got a few pictures and shared them with us! I love services like this. One of the reasons a person becomes and stays a "pillar of the church" is because they stay sensitive to God and example a true hunger and longing for God. In them we find "strength" that has helped them to "stand strong" through the storms of life. Thank you for sharing this special time.
ReplyDeleteAfter service last night, a friend and I were just talking about children reaching out to God. There is no sweeter sight. Thank you for the pictures.
ReplyDeleteIt was a beautiful service and I am looking forward to more. It thrills my heart to see our children praising God so. "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6)
ReplyDeleteYesterday Dad had all the children and young people in our church come and sit on the first two rows in all the sections. He then proceeded to preach an incredible sermon. I think that every young person and child came to the altar and prayed. It was amazing. I love it when God touched our children. I don't think that there was a dry eye in the house by time the altar service was over.
ReplyDeleteLinda, Catherine, & Jolene - I think we are all in agreement on loving to see our children touched.
ReplyDeleteThan - I am honored that a young "whippersnapper" would drop by an old lady's blog. LOL Seriously, I would have loved to hear your dad's message. He is such a great preacher. Also, I admire you for being such a great help to your parents. I was a PK and now I have three PK's. It isn't an easy road. Sometimes it seems we need a hard shell for protection but I can tell you have kept a tender heart. That is such a great example for the youth in your church. Keep up the good work!
Wish I could have been there. These pictures capture such a sweet Spirit in that place. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDelete