Taking the time: Prayer

"Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." -Matthew 19:14

Beloved, as I have been pondering my experiences in Ethiopia and Uganda, my thoughts are so full that I was uncertain of where I should begin. Last night, I attended a night of prayer with fellow brothers and sisters of mine in Nashville. It was during that time of prayer that the Lord brought clarity to my heart of where to begin: prayer. 

Honestly, the picture above depicts more than I could ever say. Upon going to these 2 African nations, my heart was stirred and challenged regarding my prayer life. As some of these little children began to pray, I heard a deep belief within their beings. They didn't waver in believing in the One they prayed to. They were bold. They were direct. They were specific. They knew Whom they were praying to. They also didn't hold back with how they felt, but I witnessed them resting in Jesus alone--not on their circumstances. Beloved, this is the way that the Father longs for us to pray to Him--with complete unwavering belief.

Each ministry that I visited, there was always a child leading prayer. The children were also preaching and teaching the Word of God. They didn't have a degree in theology. Some of them had barely been educated at all, but they had one thing that was greater than either of these things: an intimate relationship with Jesus.

One ministry that I visited had a young boy preaching, but before he began, he prayed. He knew that his strength was firm only in Christ. Many of us want to speak or to do great things for God, but we must realize that the kingdom of God starts in the small and God does mighty things in the small. 

So, I have decided to take the time. I have decided to take the time for prayer because it matters and I know that is where intimacy with Jesus begins. 

I challenge you to take the time. Take the time for prayer like these precious children. You won't be disappointed.