Saturday, August 17, 2013

Pray for Widows In Widows' Ministry

There are many women who God has raised up to minister to widows---and you might be one of them! Your coming alongside another widow, your example of survival, your ability to keep on keeping on, your pursuit of peace in the midst of pain are unsung but immensely powerful pictures of hope. Your example can breathe life into a new widow and help her get out of bed in the morning and take. that. one. next. step.

Others have felt impelled to start small groups for widows or write blogs (see my BlogList!) Some will gather a few widows together for lunch after church tomorrow, some will organize conferences, seminars, workshops, or facilitate a GriefShare group. Some will write books and encourage through public speaking. And I thank God for those who serve behind the scenes on our private Facebook support groups for widows called Lifeboats!

So today I pray for widows in ministry. For Miriam, Joyce, Ginny, CarolMarie, Elaine, Jennifer, Shearon, Carrie, Barb, Candy, Gracia, Phyllis, Carol, Linda, Ruth, Kathy, Joann, Cindy, Andrea, Christina and so many others . . . even you.

Heavenly Father,

You have granted us freedom and confidence to approach Your throne in prayer. So I kneel before You and pray that out of Your glorious riches You would strengthen each widow who ministers to widows.

Give her power and hope to continue through your Spirit in her inner being. Continue to assure her of Your indwelling in her. Help her hold steadfastly to You and to Your promises. I pray that she will be rooted and established in Your love. That she may have power to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. I pray she will know and experience this love that surpasses all knowledge. I pray she may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God!

Lord, You are able to do far more than we could ever ask or imagine. So according to your power that is at work within, may You bring glory to her life and ministry, to her church and sphere of influence, and to the generations to come so that Jesus Christ will be lifted up and praised by all for ever and ever.

In His name and by His blood, Amen!
ferree

The prayer today is based upon many of the words in Ephesians 3:14-21.

4 comments:

  1. Ferree, thank you for this beautiful prayer. Sometimes doing a ministry with widows can be so draining, hearing others pain does often bring our own grief back to the surface, but when you see someone feel a little less alone or who can feel they had a good day, it is so worth it. God bless you and all who take the time to offer support to those walking this painful road.

    ReplyDelete
  2. And -
    I thank you too Ferree for remembering there are still so very many (of us) in much pain on
    this very painful and lonely road. I received an email today I would
    like to share with those who are still somewhere on this highway.

    Email- Titled - Liquid Prayers -

    "The Lord has heard the voice of my weeping"
    Ps.6:8

    Our voice the Father hears is our liquid prayers. Is there a voice he understands in our weeping? Does liquid prayers resonate with our Father? When we can't speak and our voice is nothing but liquid prayers, our Father says "my child, weeping is the eloquence of sorrow, it is an elequoent orator, needing no interpreter"
    What a blessing to know our tears are understood, even when our words fail, may we learn to think of our TEARS as liquid prayers before our Father and as the Lord Jesus intercedes on our behalf.
    Our liquid prayers will wear it's way into the very heart of God's mercy, despite the difficulties which lie in the way.
    Dear Lord, when I am unable to speak, I will "weep" when I am to weak to plead, I rejoice in the comfort you hear my liquid prayers.

    "the Lord has heard the voice of my weeping"
    Psalm 6:8



    ReplyDelete
  3. Lord, thank you for including Ferree in the blessing of this beautiful prayer for those who minister to widows. We so appreciate the passion and the heart you have given her for us.

    Ferree, we know you have been there and you continue to give widows (and widowers) the courage, encouragement and hope they need every day. God bless you for your faithfulness to your calling. Using your writing gift goes along way toward healing of hearts. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you all for your sweet blessings back on me. It's such a privilege to walk alongside you on this section of your pilgrimage through life. There's beauty along the way that I see in each of you and I'm so thankful for your love and encouragement!

    ReplyDelete

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