Pray On-site with Insight

The Lord has given us the rare opportunity to join Him in the labor of love that builds his Kingdom and blesses so many. Prayers from a distance are GREAT and God uses them. Oh, how I thank God and admire those who earnestly project their faith across a thousand miles. But, as I think back on my visits to North Africa over the past dozen years, I have such an appreciation for the effectiveness of prayers prayed for people while you stand among them, for places you can see and touch, smell and feel. These prayers are a privilege. And, I believe God uses them to reach out in a very tangible spiritual sense to dispel the walls of darkness that Satan has built so that the Holy Spirit can shine into the lives of hungry people.

Matthew 4:16 (NIV)

the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.

How much more so when you can join with others of like mind? So, what does this look like while walking the roads and ruins of North Africa? Many things. A core cultural distinctive, in many places, is the importance of relationships and so I begin with that:

Relationship with Jesus – a conversation with Him and the Holy Spirit, as you travel. Make them your travelling companions and pray along with them.

Relationship with Believers – your human travel companions. Join with them and pray out loud as you walk or ride. Now, it is Jesus and your companions together in conversation on behalf of His Kingdom. Let your prayers turn to worship and praise. Let the people and places you see prompt your prayers, listen with your heart and pray as the Spirit guides. Be practical at the same time. Your conversations with your companions can be just that and transition right into prayer when the opportunity arises.

Some find it much better to pray alone where they can focus – road time can be a good opportunity for this. Try setting a clock where each person prays in 15 minute blocks while traveling. Or, simply go to a quiet place and scatter out a bit to pray for an extended time alone.

Times of worship and praise are incredibly powerful – these can happen in a hotel room, a quiet park or country road. Or, they can happen in full public view especially if the group includes musical types. Use discretion but don’t be afraid. Times of corporate worship can really make a spiritual impact where you are.

Matthew 5:14 (NIV)

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”

Relationships with People You Meet – many people are quite open to visitors, especially if you approach them with a few greetings in a friendly manner in the local language. Perhaps you will meet someone that speaks English and can get to know them. You could even ask them if there is something they would like you to pray for. You might say, “I am a follower of Jesus and wonder is there is something I could pray for you.” You will be surprised that people will often say yes and give you the chance to bless them. If you have the opportunity to share something about your relationship with Jesus then take it. Also, it is culturally appropriate to give gifts and an Arabic-English NT makes a great one, though don’t try to pass them out in a public setting – use them as a sincere gift in a spirit of love, not of superiority. There are many stories of the Lord using a copy of the NT to reach a hungry person. If you have a local partner you are working with you should talk to them about what they are comfortable having you do in the way of interacting with local people.

Be bold, but be wise. You are the sheep among the wolves, so think about that! Only by the Spirit and Good Shepherd can sheep live long in Wolf Country. Rely on the Spirit and expect Satan to NOT be happy when you are praying powerful prayers on his turf. Don’t be surprised if there is some sort of spiritual attack and in fact count it a blessing because it probably means you are making a difference! Don’t be surprised if you see God or Satan working in a way you don’t see at home.

Expect God to work through your prayers. You may not see the results or He may allow you to see a glimpse of what He is doing. Either way, pray and be the light. You will be a blessing by sharing the blessing of Jesus that you have been given.