The Howell Family | Serving in Ireland
“Please pray for…”
As people who are doing our level best to be disciples of Jesus and walking alongside our friends in their own faith journey, these three simple words are some of the most powerful words we can hear. For this phrase carries with it so much more than a mere surface-level understanding. It may carry the crushing weight of a situation that seems beyond our ability to bear it, watching the strength in our legs ebb away moment by moment. It may carry the vulnerability of admitting that we are overwhelmed and helpless. It may carry the deep, resounding hope that can only be found in Christ Jesus. It may carry the last ounce of desperation for one clinging to the lifeline that feels like it is slipping out of their tightly held grasp. It may carry the uncertainty of the next steps in life.
This last week, we had the thrill of catching up with several of the young people who are now in their mid to late twenties, whom we have worked with over the years. As we talked and caught up on life, this theme of “Please pray for” was echoing in my ears. We were listening to their stories and hearing their pleas for prayer. One of the comments struck me like a hammer blow. I was told, “This probably wasn’t how you thought I would turn out.” I paused for a moment and said, “Maybe not. But the strength that you have shown to get through that situation and get where you are today is absolutely what I would have thought.” Life gets ugly. Life gets messy. Being followers of Jesus in a broken world is hard. What a blessing it is to be invited into this mess through prayer. For we know that in prayer, God’s power is on display. We have and continue to pray for every one of these “kids” on a regular basis. In the wider ministry in Ireland, it is a regular occurrence for our friends to ask, “Please pray for.” What a joy to see God move and answer this heart’s cry.
When you read that first paragraph, have you ever found those statements to be true in your own prayer requests? I know I have. But rather than feel shameful or like a failure because of that, it is empowering and uplifting to know the freedom of being able to share vulnerably with Jesus’ fellow disciples.
Friends, what a joy it is to share what God is doing in Ireland and around the world. To make known the love and good news of Jesus Christ. But it truly can’t be done without your prayers. Mighty men and women of faith, please pray for us all. Ephesians 6:18-19 “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike.”
English (United States) 
Spanish