The power of prayer...

I have always been a firm believer in prayer.  But this past weekend I took part in a prayer circle that was both the most emotionally draining and uplifting time ever.  What a blessed time it was.

I attended a mini-retreat with other members of my Kairos family as we prepared for our upcoming time in Trumbull Correctional Institute (TCI).  We will be going into the prison starting Thursday afternoon.  We participated in several team building activities.  The first night we all joined in a foot washing ceremony. This type of ceremony is one of the most humbling things one can do. To voluntarily wash another persons feet and allow them to wash yours was truly amazing. Later in the evening we prayed for each participant from TCI.  Each participant has a host (a member of the Kairos team) and this member prayed for them.  We ended the evening with our traditional circle time which included prayer and singing 'Surely the Presence of the Lord is in this Place".  It was a blessed evening.  After many went to bed a small group of us sang worship songs being led by Marcus Troyer. Marcus is the worship team leader. It was an awesome time of corporate worship.

The next morning we woke up early to eat and mingle with other team members.  We then got together and listened to one of the talks that would be given over the weekend. The point of this talk was about the barriers we all put up between us and those around us.  The reading goes on to describe this man whose barriers started small but eventually cut off all contact with the outside world. That was until someone threw a flower over 'the wall'.  The rest of the talk focused on breaking down these barriers.  It was a powerful talk for sure, because we all have barriers.  Undoubtedly this will be a very difficult challenge to overcome with all the residents this weekend. The last part of the weekend was spent in our prayer circle. During this time each team member prayed for all the other team members and we were prayed for by all the other team members.  This time was incredibly powerful. While it was emotionally challenging and draining it was one of the highest points as well.  Many of the concerns for the weekend seemed so much smaller now. While I know it will still be a challenge and the devil is still on the attack I feel much more confident.  Prayer is powerful, powerful indeed.

So as this week goes on and Thursday gets closer, please continue to pray. There are so many details that still need to fall into place for sure. Pray for the leadership team as they make sure these details work out. Pray specifically for the residents of Trumbull Correctional Institute. Pray that the barriers in the way of them hearing the gospel will be broken down.  Pray that even as I write this the residents will feel the tugging on their heart. Pray for the team members for safety, protection and rest. And pray most importantly that the Lord's will be done. It is my desire to see many saved this weekend. I am so excited to see what the Lord is going to do.  What an exciting time for sure!

May God Bless You All!

Gary