Afraid to Pray
Have you ever been afraid to pray?
Recently Jordan and I traveled with another couple from our church to North Africa. Had our purpose been vacation, we would have been disappointed with the cold and rainy weather, less than stellar food, and trash covered beaches. However, our goal was to explore the country, soak up the culture, learn about the people and ministry, and to encourage our friends living and ministering in this difficult place. Therefore we've returned satisfied, educated, and joyfully carrying the burdens of our friends.
On our first day we met an American pastor and a black African pastor. As they shared prayer requests, the African pastor said, "I can give you a list of our needs, but the list would be too long. Instead, look and see that the harvest is plentiful. Pray for the Lord of the harvest to send more workers. That's what happened with *Abi." He smiled and looked at our friend.
Last year Abi, an active participant of our church in Aix-les-Bains, went to visit her friend *Chloé who was (and still is) teaching French at a Christian school. During her vacation Abi learned that the local church (which is officially recognized by the country) was in need of a secretary for a year. It was clearly God who ordained her trip, putting Abi's administrative gifts and degree in Human Resources with heart for the Arab people together for His Kingdom. He provided for her to move and fill the position within a few short weeks. God used Abi to answer her own prayers.
And this is why sometimes I am afraid to pray.
As we visited well preserved ruins in a small rural village, I wondered how the Gospel reaches these far corners. The farmers feed their flocks of sheep and herds of cattle among the ancient ruins where more than 20 temples once stood. The country itself follows the strict religious traditions of Muhammad. I don't imagine that foreigners, beyond tourists, are much welcomed into the lives of the locals.
Yet I was afraid to pray. Lord, send people to share the Good News in this beautiful countryside - just please don't send me, I prayed. It's really dirty and remote and the people just aren't very friendly. I get constant stares with my blond hair followed by unwelcome greetings from men of all ages. The food is spicy and there are no veggies. But I do want these people to hear Your Gospel. Put these people on someone's heart. Send them to this village. Just not me.
Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.
Have you ever had these kinds of prayers? Have you ever been afraid to pray? What happened?
"For 'everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News!'"
Romans 10:13-15
*Names have been changed to protect our friends
Recently Jordan and I traveled with another couple from our church to North Africa. Had our purpose been vacation, we would have been disappointed with the cold and rainy weather, less than stellar food, and trash covered beaches. However, our goal was to explore the country, soak up the culture, learn about the people and ministry, and to encourage our friends living and ministering in this difficult place. Therefore we've returned satisfied, educated, and joyfully carrying the burdens of our friends.
On our first day we met an American pastor and a black African pastor. As they shared prayer requests, the African pastor said, "I can give you a list of our needs, but the list would be too long. Instead, look and see that the harvest is plentiful. Pray for the Lord of the harvest to send more workers. That's what happened with *Abi." He smiled and looked at our friend.
Last year Abi, an active participant of our church in Aix-les-Bains, went to visit her friend *Chloé who was (and still is) teaching French at a Christian school. During her vacation Abi learned that the local church (which is officially recognized by the country) was in need of a secretary for a year. It was clearly God who ordained her trip, putting Abi's administrative gifts and degree in Human Resources with heart for the Arab people together for His Kingdom. He provided for her to move and fill the position within a few short weeks. God used Abi to answer her own prayers.
And this is why sometimes I am afraid to pray.
Yet I was afraid to pray. Lord, send people to share the Good News in this beautiful countryside - just please don't send me, I prayed. It's really dirty and remote and the people just aren't very friendly. I get constant stares with my blond hair followed by unwelcome greetings from men of all ages. The food is spicy and there are no veggies. But I do want these people to hear Your Gospel. Put these people on someone's heart. Send them to this village. Just not me.
Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.
Have you ever had these kinds of prayers? Have you ever been afraid to pray? What happened?
"For 'everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News!'"
Romans 10:13-15
*Names have been changed to protect our friends
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