“Wednesday Night Crew”

December 14                                                                                               

James 5:16 – “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” 

Great things are rarely accomplished, at least not Biblically, by the obvious choice of a person.  Jacob, the deceiver.  Moses, the poor speaker.  Gideon, the least of his family.  David, a shepherd.  Jesus, the one born in such an obscure, ordinary place.  Not kingly material. 

In every case, God had a greater plan in mind for these lives.  I think He purposely didn’t choose the obvious because He wanted to prove what great things He can do through ordinary, regular people.  That’s the way I feel about our church’s Wednesday night crew. 

This gathering is made up of a faithful group of individuals who are gentle, ordinary folk.  None would appear to be movers and shakers – at least by the world’s standards.  They do move mountains though as they pray for the needs of friends, family, community, and church.  They shake away fear as they pray for things unseen yet very real.  They will never know how much their prayers for our church staff have made eternal differences.  Yes, this group is very powerful.  Not in might, but in spirit.

I think how God has chosen the simple things of life to confound the wise (1 Cor.1:25).  Power suits, Madison Avenue, Wall Street, and Dubai may have the world’s attention but God hears the simple, heart-felt prayers that arise from the Wednesday night crowds. 

I grew up in a very small country church.  Every Wednesday night my mom and dad would clean us up and pack us in the car to go to church.  More than once my sisters and I would get in trouble for giggling during the prayers which we felt went on forever and ever.  It was during those Wednesday nights though that I learned about the importance of prayer. 

I am so thankful for those ladies and gentlemen who stop for a while to join together for mid-week prayer.  Times have changed. Families and jobs call us in many ways but I am thankful for those who still come specifically to pray.  What you do may not be noticed by many but God hears each pray. 

Thank you!