Sunday’s congregational prayer time was amazing in many aspects, but some specific ways stand out to me. Several people at MCC were used by God to minister to others through prayer and encouragement.

In one instance a godly, “fatherly” man said to a young teenager who was visiting with his family, “Your father didn’t say this to you, but I will; you are loved by us and most importantly loved by God.” The impact was transformational. 

Another example consisted of several individuals praying for a young woman who felt “dead toward God.”  Numerous tears fell, and then much joy came by the end of the crying out.

Finally, a man prayed fervently for a situation to “be changed in his life,” but when he went to work on Monday it was worse than expected.  However, his soul had been strengthened through crying out, and he responded in faith to what was lobbed toward him. 

Psalm 42:11 reminds us that despair settles in for those of us who do not learn to look to and rejoice in Him alone. “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.”

Pray for those in Oklahoma who are fighting despair and hopelessness, for those who live on your street, and for those in your home. Cry out that their hope will be in God alone and not individuals or circumstances. Life is tough enough without carrying around foolish beliefs that earthly items and people will satisfy the soul because only God can truly accomplish that.

Todd