Brokenness and Prayer

I am always amazed by what God does when we stop playing church, and actually allow ourselves to take off the masks and be vulnerable about the difficult things we are facing, the painful things that tear our hearts up that our friends are going through, and share the big dreams we have for what God could do in our midst.

This week, the Threads team gathered in Jim’s home, and the masks came off. It felt like we were on hallowed ground as one by one, we shared grief, trials, confusion, questions, and the seemingly too-heavy burdens of those close to us with each other. Tears came as our hearts were touched, and as we opened the lid off of the pain that the daily routine of life so often hides.

This year, as we’ve worked to create Threads, each person on the team has come under immense spiritual attack in one way or another - from critical health challenges, relational crises, family concerns, to the heaviness of how to balance so many areas of life and ministry, we’ve been put through the wringer. And the intensity of the attack, when we are honest about it and let each other know about it, allows us to draw near to God’s throne in prayer.

It’s so easy to have a rote time of prayer when people in ministry get together. but when you come together in desperation, calling on God to make a difference, to carry us in our weakness, to show us a way through darkness, that is the kind of prayer that makes us fellow warriors.

Over this year, we have also seen God’s glory in so many ways. We have seen His hand bring about things that were once only a far-off dream. We have come to know each other in our small team, to see the amazing qualities each of us brings to the table, and we are in awe of His handiwork.

So, our prayer also included deep thanksgiving and praise to this magnificent God who called us together at this time to do this work.

I hope you get a chance to take off the masks of “happy Christmas” this year with a few trusted friends, and go together to God, communing with Him in your heartaches and excitements and dreams to come.

PS - We have heard from many pastors and young adult ministry leaders that you are praying for us, and the work of Threads, too. It means so much to know we are partnered with you as we go forward! Thank you for your prayers. Keep them coming - there is much to do in 2007, and we are asking God that what we do will bring Him glory and be of great use to you!