Prayer Warriors

Boy, was I touched this morning by sitting down for a few minutes with a couple of ladies (FPC church members) that faithfully come to FPC every Tuesday morning to pray.  They have invited me in the past to join them, but today I made it a point to stick my head in, even if just for five minutes.  Well, I stayed about 15 minutes, and it's been the best 15 minutes of my day, and I'd dare say of the past week.

What a witness these two women of the faith were to me this morning, and what a needed spiritual breather it was for me.  The fact that they devote themselves to coming out of the comforts of their homes, their beds, their space, to pray for the church, the community, and the world, is beyond touching.  How many of us would devote 1-2 HOURS (yes, hours, people) to prayer weekly?  What would our lives be like if we did? Something to chew on for this week...

As I write and reflect simultaneously, I realize what a gift these brief moments of fellowship and prayer really were for me.  I spoke with one of my pastoral supervisors this morning about the difference between leading worship (and faith-based studies/activities) and being a participant in worship and the life of the church.  It is really hitting me now that I only have 1 year left in seminary that I will no longer be a church member sitting in the pew.  I will be the pastor (or one of them, I pray) leading the flock, guiding the congregants in worship, providing pastoral care, and building others up spiritually through the work of the Holy Spirit.  Who will guide me?  Who will watch out for my spiritual well being?  Where will I go to worship or how will I experience worship/praising God myself when I am the one leading, focusing on what I say, how I say it, and worrying if it reaches the people in the pews.

As I move forward in my call and pastoral journey, I pray that God will give me more mornings like this morning where God literally says to me, "Erin, my daughter, stop.  Stop whatever you're doing, planning; put your to-do list aside and come to me.  Talk to me."  I'm so thankful I heeded the nudge of the Holy Spirit this morning and took a time-out to talk to my Living God in the fellowship of two prayer warriors.  I was also joyfully reminded of a dear family friend from Bedford Presby. Church, Joyce Abbott (as we knew her), who I always think of when I think of faithful prayer warriors, people who really will pray for you when they say they will.  She has been a true example to me (and many others I know) of a devoted follower of God who takes everything to God in prayer.  Thank you, Joyce, and FPC prayer ladies.  You are a powerful witness to me!