By Juany Harbert – Tipp City, Ohio
This year, the Lord put in my heart to gather with a group of fellow believers and friends to pray for our country. I asked three women I admired spiritually if they wanted to do it, and they said, “Yes.” So, we started gathering once a week for an hour or so.
What I have seen with this prayer group is that it has given us an opportunity and an outlet to seek the Lord: to seek relationship and not just use the authority of his name to get what we want.
“…He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 NKJV
Seek His Face, Not His Hands
We have made it a point to not just start asking, but rather we start with praise and worship, which sets the atmosphere. We tell Him how much we love Him, and we thank Him for what He has done for us.
“Give thanks to the Lord, proclaim His greatness; tell the nations what He has done. Sing praise to the Lord; tell the wonderful things He has done. Be glad that we belong to Him; let all who worship Him rejoice.” Psalms 105:1-3 HCSB
Sometimes we sing or “soak” with some songs that speak to our hearts. Then, we pray for whatever He has pressed in our hearts, but we know this: “Not my will Lord, but yours be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Our prayers serve to bring the reality of heaven down to our realm. We surrender to his will.
“In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9-10 NKJV
Ready for Transformation
My idea was to provide organic growth. I invited a few people, and in turn, they invited other friends.
The sisterhood and comradery from this prayer group initiated and supported the National Day of Prayer presence in our church nationally and in our town. So many were tremendously blessed!
Photo courtesy of pxfuel
We have seen “Christ being formed” in us as we have been transformed. One of the ladies that comes is on her road to recovery from a type of cancer. We have seen how sharp her mind is getting, and how from barely talking, she is praying so beautifully.
Her speech and attitude are the best we have witnessed so far. What a testimony to see how she pushes herself daily!
Continual Growth
Our group continues to evolve. We want to be led by the Holy Spirit, so I ask God what I should share for each gathering. Sometimes it’s a portion of Scripture, a concept, an excerpt from a book, or those attending share what they have in their hearts.
This prayer group has become one of the highlights of our week. We keep it simple, sweet and effective.
One of the women who comes was dealing with depression, due to a life-changing situation. The love, ministering, prayer, and acts of kindness from the group, however, has brought her back to her old, energized self.
Want to Start Your Own Group?
If you feel inspired to start a prayer group, I encourage you to be led by the Holy Spirit (John 16:13-14). Praise and worship God; magnify the Lord Jesus.
Allow Christ to be formed in you (be transformed). Let it evolve naturally.
As you do all of this, you’ll see signs, miracles and wonders happening in front of your eyes.
“Behold, I’m standing at the door, knocking. If your heart is open to hear my voice and you open the door within, I will come in to you and feast with you, and you will feast with me.” Revelation 3:20 TPT
Juany Harbert has been a follower of Jesus since childhood. She was born in Chile, South America. Juany works with her husband, Mark, in their online business. She has functioned as a full-time Christian minister for many years, ministering in several different countries.