423 Times

The NLT translation of the Bible mentions prayer (either pray or prayer) 423 times, so I figure that's an important topic. I've been mentioning prayer often to the kids since we began; it comes up often in conversation. Often we see prostitutes that work just across the street from the church, and as the teens laugh and joke about them I seem to often mention that they should be praying for those women. I find myself getting frustrated as I drive with kids in the car (serious road rager here), and mention that I should pray for patience. A few weeks ago we had a couple of the teens paint the dumpsters behind the church as they had been covered in graffiti; one of the boys mentioned how it was a waste of time because they would just be covered in spray paint again by the next day, so. . . I said "I'll show you how powerful my God is and pray that His angels keep the dumpsters graffiti free for a week" (3 weeks later and the dumpsters are still graffiti free and the young man points it out each day and is opening to the idea of prayer).

God is pushing me to do and say things I would normally not to do; such as praying for dumpsters. God is waiting to burst through the walls these teens have built up, and the spiritual walls that the enemy has put in place in the North End for so long now. He is going to move in big ways. He is giving me crazy visions of the gifts that He has given to each youth.

And it all comes back to prayer. I can't help but pray constantly throughout each day, as I work, drive, walk, even as I try to sleep. God is constantly pressing these young North Enders on my mind and forcing me to pray for different ones at different times. I believe strongly that very soon some of these young people are going to begin praying without ceasing; the will grow brave and pray in front of others even! They are on the verge of a major transformation in their lives that will carry through to their neighbourhood.

The ones that laugh and joke at prostitutes will soon be bringing healing and ministry and the true love of Christ to these women. Their ministry will come in different and unique ways; art, music, prison ministry, street evangelism -- the list goes on.

This will all come about through prayer.

Are you praying for these young people? Are you praying for your own family and community? Are you allowing me to pray for you?

Amen.