unseen

I had sent out a call to any in my church who wanted to pray with me before the service. A couple of people responded and said they wanted to but couldn't be there on Sunday. I hoped for at least one person to show even if they did not email. I got just one - she is a good friend. So for a few minutes before the service we prayed together, and it was an amazing experience. I felt like we were doing actual work. I think because we were.

The service was great. Not just because the music was great - it was. Not just because my husband preached a great and passionate message, though he did. Not just because of great people all around. But because I could feel that God was in all of it. I had been praying all week for God to be moving in us, for His Spirit to fall on us - to work in us, to convict us, to free us from sin, to open us up to Him, for people to be saved. And I feel like He has begun to do it.

I don't know all the ins and outs of exactly how God uses prayer. From all that I have read in scripture and from great pray-ers, it seems that God chooses to work through prayer. He actually releases His power through our prayers. The trick for us in this is to know what to be praying for. Because if we are not in tune with His will and/or the motives in our hearts are for myself - then we will be ineffectual, and we will not be doing the work of prayer. But If we get to know the heart of God, and practice listening to Him, and spend much time with Him - He will lead us to what we are supposed to be doing and praying. That was how this felt - I felt led into prayer, He laid a burden on my heart, I listened to His heart, and I prayed a lot about the things he has shown me. Nothing I have done has been perfect - of that I am sure - especially since I know there have been times in the last week when I should have prayed but instead did something else because it was all too much. But when I was obedient, when I did follow His voice, I was blessed to be a part of something amazing.

It is so unseen, so otherworldly. It is so intimate yet I wouldn't say I felt the Lord's presence like I have before. It has been so amazing just to be a part of what God is doing in the unseen realms. And then to see some results here in the world we do see with our eyes - it feels like fruit.

The burden today is not as strong - I wonder if it will fade away until another time or if it will build up again until Sunday. We will see what God does. I pray for even more obedience to His desires.