National Anthem with Christchurch montage on TV One

PRAY FOR CHRISTCHURCH

People of Christchurch we pray for you to know the love and comfort of God in this awful situation.  Please know that our love and prayers go out to you.

We ask Lord that you will be with those trapped in collapsed buildings and lead the rescuers to them.  Please comfort those who have lost the ones they love, especially the 65 lives we know of so far.  Please be with those sleeping in parks and places away from their homes.  Please give wisdom to those overseeing the rescue efforts.

We pray for the very heart of the people and city to be strengthened and comforted, and that you will give to them a fresh vision and hope in the days ahead.

EXPANDED!

This is my first week back with my new friends in Refuge, after the first real holiday break in 2 years.  As a result I am in a very rested place and find it possible to evaluate and see things a little more clearly than this time last year - to see and feel my function in facilitating these groups.

The true function is that I pick up these women and carry them in my heart before the Lord!  I could feel it all of Wednesday night, a constant conversation.  And again the same thing on Thursday.

It feels as if, way beyond what may be taught or learned, the love of God embraces and begins to work in and with them, and they respond quickly and openly to that love.  I am encouraged to think that somehow without my fully comprehending it, this has indeed become prayer.

It was not that the circumstances had to change as much as my heart had to be enlarged and expanded for the task - this is what has taken  time.

For many years I have asked the Lord that I would not 'do' prayer but become a prayer in action in all of life - it feels this year as if I might actually have my foot on the first rung of the ladder.  He is indeed the God who answers!

Mother Teresa said "Prayer in action is love, and love in action is service.  Try to give unconditionally whatever a person needs in the moment."