In Aramaic, the language Jesus often spoke, the word for prayer was "shela" (pronounced shalu). The word has the meaning "to open oneself" or "to listen to." The daily prayer devotional, "Connection," said "seen in this way, prayer was the very breath of His life."
As Jesus talked with his Father over many long nights, he not only spoke, but he listened. He "soaked" in the presence of his Father, and I can only imagine he came away renewed, refreshed, and prepared for the new day the Father had before him by the power of the Holy Spirit. Pray that each of us will take the time to be still before our Father, pouring out our heart when it is overflowing with petitions, but then listening for his answer.
New Hope International Church will begin services tomorrow (Sunday) at 9:00 a.m., welcoming back many of the students who have returned to study, and beginning relationships with new students as they come to the services. Pastor Vitaly Sorokun has asked us to pray for those who are being trained as leaders of small groups and other outreach ministries in the church. Their desire is to have at least 6 - 8 small groups meeting in apartments and hostels throughout the city this school year. Ask the Father to lay a strong foundation of discipleship and accountability for this church. Intercede for Pastor V to be filled with wisdom and knowledge of the Lord's will as he guides this young body of believers.
Also on Sunday, Amanda and I will be traveling with about 55-60 other women to southern Ukraine for a week-long women's camp. The women are widows and single women from the Kharkov region. Pray for safety in the journey (I will be driving), for wonderful fellowship for the women as they travel on the bus, and for a restful night of sleep after we arrive.
Would you join us each day in prayer for all of us? Amanda and I will be teaching from the book of Colossians each morning. I will teach on Monday morning, then we will alternate mornings throughout the week (Amanda on Tuesday, me again on Wednesday, etc.) We have scheduled the daily activities for the week to give each person an opportunity to rest, to fellowship, to worship, and most of all, to hear from the Lord.
Pray for each of us to be able to find that place of quiet throughout the week where the Lord might speak to our hearts individually. Intercede for those who will be there who are either not-yet-believers, or who are struggling in their walk with the Lord. Pray this will be a week when each of us will encounter our heavenly Father by the power of the Holy Spirit in such a way that each of our lives will be transformed!
We will return to Kharkov on Saturday, September 8th. Amanda and I will begin the return earlier in the day, while the bus will return later. Again, intercede for traveling safety and ease for the journey.
We look forward to sharing with you next Sunday (when I have time to write again) how the Father answered our prayers. Thank you for your faithful intercession for us, and for the people of the Kharkov region of Ukraine!
IMPACTing the Kharkov Region of Ukraine with the love of Christ!
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