​

March 9, 2019

by Lauri Hale

Psalm 91:1-2,9-16; Ecclesiastes 3:1-8; John 12:27-36 

For many years now, four of my dearest girlfriends and I have had a text thread continuing on our phones.  It began as a simple prayer request – I couldn’t tell you what it even was now.  As we answered, “Yes, I will pray for you”, something very special happened…we began to purposefully reach out to one another with our burdens, our requests, our praises.  Very quickly, one of the ladies asked that this particular thread be utilized only for prayer among the group (sometimes she has to text, “I’m going to pray for you girls!” when we get off topic).  And, our group text gained a name…Prayer Warriors. Whenever I need to send a prayer request or a praise or remember what or whom I am to pray for, it is easy to find the thread in my phone - I just type in the search bar “Prayer War,” and up it pops! And then I smile…yes, we are in a war and these are my warriors! 
 
Over the years we have prayed for each other, our spouses, our children, our friends, our church, our country…maybe, even you! One thing I love the most is when a friend or especially one of my children asks me to ask the Prayer Warriors to pray for them.  They know that these ladies are in constant communication with each other (and with God) and know that when the request is made the answer is always, “I’m on it!” Bible verses are shared. Wisdom is spoken. Comfort is offered.  Thanks is given.  Many times, the response simply begins with, “I’m so sorry….” but then, what joy when the response begins, “Hallelujah!” Oh, and we send some great Bitmojis and gifs as well! 
 
As I read through today’s scriptures, I realized that a never-ending theme with my Prayer Warriors is that God is our refuge!  Oh, yes! God is our refuge! We constantly remind each other that God’s got this, God has gone before us, God knows the answer, God will wrap us in His love always…TRUST Him. 
 
“Whoever dwells in the shelter  of the Most High 
    will rest in the shadow  of the Almighty. 
² I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge  and my fortress, 
    my God, in whom I trust.” 
Psalm 92:1-2 
 
Sometimes, we have to remind each other that just as it says in Ecclesiastes, there IS a season for everything.  Boy, that’s a tough one when it comes to our kids! It is so hard to watch our children go through disappointment, heartbreak, medical issues.  But, through our texts, we remind each other, even though this may not be the time, God IS our refuge, he’s on it.  And then, I copy/paste that Bible verse, that encouragement, that love of other moms and send it to my child. 

Recently, one of my sons earned something for which he had worked very hard. He told me that he received a congratulatory text from one of the moms before he had finished reporting in to all of our family.  I reminded him that these ladies had been praying for him and his goal for quite some time and I couldn’t wait to share the good news! He said, “Thanks, mom” and I could hear his smile through the phone. 
 
My Prayer Warriors truly do “dwell in the shelter of the Most High” and always, always we remind each other that “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 
 
As we walk toward the cross these coming weeks, I know the texts will become more frequent – they will be filled with praises for God’s sacrifice for US.  Oh, and I can’t wait to see the texts on Easter morning!! 
  
HALLELUJAH!!