For years this prayer wall has occupied space in the main lobby of Living Word Community Church. It's a bit hidden down toward the Kid::Life entrance. Last week I gave it a new look with the help of artist, Ange Bentivegna, who painted the large "TRUST" circle which hangs in the center of the wall.
I'm making a commitment to start off each Monday morning reading the heartfelt prayers and lifting each person, need, concern, and praise up to the Lord in prayer.
This morning I unlocked my office door, tossed my bag onto the desk and headed out to the prayer wall. It was evident that many new prayers had been added since last week and was thankful that that people are seeking prayer and desire to be heard by God through the Holy Spirit, who intercedes for us.
Next Monday I'll have a box of tissues with me. As I read the vulnerable prayers of broken hearts I was overcome with compassion for our church family and their great need for comfort, healing, restoration, deliverance, and hope. I just stood there and sobbed uncontrollably. One that really touched my heart was from a pre-teen, I'm assuming, who was struggling with his/her parents constant fighting. This young person's heart poured deep sadness and confusion onto the colored paper and asked for peace in the times of conflict.
Another was asking God not to let her daughter die. One mom/wife was praying for her husband to come home to the family. Many prayers for healing from cancer and addictions. One simply stated, "Lord please heal my wife's cervical cancer. And if not, may Your grace be enough." I was undone. With a heavy heart, I held up to the Father each prayer on the wall and asked God to provide exactly what each person needed. It is a privilege to hold these people in prayer and to know that God will provide. In my spirit I feel a connection with each person, even though I don't know their names.
"O my people, trust in Him at all times. Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge." Psalm 62:9
That is what the prayer wall is... a place to pour out our hearts before the Lord and take refuge beneath His wing.
Trust. Believe. Faith. Lord, in Your great mercy, give us more trust in You, the ability to believe with our whole heart and to grow deeply in our faith. Amen.
"He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise of our God. Many will see what He has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord." Psalm 40:3
I can't think of a better way to start off the week then interceding for my church family and their prayerful needs. Please visit the wall. Place a prayer upon it. Say a few prayers for those already there. Your heart will be blessed. Honestly.
Joy and peace,
deAnn Roe
