God, we ask you to give these ladies wise minds and spirits attuned to your will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that they’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of them as they work hard in his orchard. As they learn more and more how God works, they will learn how to do their work. We pray that they’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul – not the grim strength of gritting their teeth but the glory-strength You give. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes them strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for them (Colossians 1:9-12 – The Message).
May the retreat be the setting in which Elissa, Amber, Melissa, and Wendy are restored, awakened, and their faith rekindled.
“I am in a draining season of life; 4 kids under 6, learning a new language, no childcare, and being an introvert needing alone time to process in order to be able to engage my family well. Some day’s I feel God’s presence so keenly and am beyond excited to be here, living his adventurous and full life. But currently, I feel as I I’m in a season of pruning, which makes bearing all those things difficult. I want the beautiful, enduring fruit of perseverance and faithfulness, but I often feel in this season like what God is asking of me is too much and I long for things to just be easier. Pray that I would endure, and would be able to do so gladly, and with peace. Pray that the fruit would come, and it would be sweeter than my imaginings. Pray that this season of pruning would be no longer than necessary.”
This lady’s cry for prayer, echos many of the attendees. Life is hard, and the cost is high. It is a lonely road. May we lift them before the throne as sisters in Christ for them to persevere, and to do so in the power of the Spirit of joy.
Lord, may all the logistics get figured out for child care so the next group of ladies can come, we pray for health for all involved and safe, uneventful travel. We cover them in the name of Jesus.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
© 2013 Thrive.