O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness You have done marvelous things, things planned long ago. Surely this is our God; we trusted in Him, and He saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in Him; let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation (Isaiah 25:1, 9).

We thank you, Lord, for your provision for this retreat, for the resources given, and for those who are willing to give of their time to join You in Your work.  Today we specifically thank you for the team of 30 women who are going to serve as volunteer staff for this retreat.  May they experience Your faithfulness as they see their financial support come in, intercession committed to their journey, and care provided for their families.  We ask that each come with healthy “margins” emotionally, physically and spiritually as the energy needed to pour into these women in this area of the world will be great.  Father, protect and prepare each volunteer in the blood and name of Jesus.

We ask specifically for Kris, Barbara, Jeanne, Susan, Cynthia, Jan, Judy, Bev, Kiralyn, and Sarah as they come to do pedicures (truly like a spiritual foot washing..with color!). We ask that they connect well with the women and are able to listen attentively while massaging and carefully painting toenails. Bless every encounter and be pleased with Your servants.

We lift up Bolivia to You today, Lord. They are just beginning to experience democracy and freedom. These benefits are only now reaching the Amerindian majority that has long been mired in poverty, exploited, and politically marginalized. We pray for courage and moral integrity for the national leaders as they grapple with the economic inequalities and social ills of society, including the cocaine ‘industry’. (About 50% of the world’s cocaine is grown in Bolivia.) We pray that the Bolivian Christians may live holy, exemplary lives as they seek to bring change for the good of their land. We pray for the believers that have compromised their faith; give them strength to overcome this stronghold in their lives. We also pray for those who have stood against the pressure and are impoverished as a result. Please, O God, meet their physical and emotional needs.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

©2015 Thrive.