May 2016 - Praying for Women in Southern Africa

Dear intercessor,

I’ve been thinking about a couple of questions lately: Why do we pray? Does prayer come easy for you?

Prayer does not come easy, and the idea of praying out loud can cause worry for many of us. However, God is so faithful to bring women together in times of difficulty and need through our Project Hannah prayer groups. Our prayer groups provide a safe place for participants to share their struggles.

One of the ladies who attended a meeting in South Africa expressed her appreciation for Project Hannah in that it encouraged her to come to the prayer group every Friday to pray with the other ladies. She shared that this has helped her in many spheres of her life and that some of her prayers have been answered.

Another Project Hannah prayer group in South Africa has been asking God to empower a new believer in the group. Mrs. S. is thanking the Lord that now she can see. She testified that she was blinded by evil spirits. She was putting her trust in her ancestors. In her heart she wanted to serve God, but she was trying to serve both God and her ancestors. Believers went to her house and prayed for her. Praise God that now she is serving the living God only!

I’m reminded today that when we look to the Bible we find many places that guide and encourage us in prayer.

When we are afraid, prayer helps us find peace. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4).

When we are tired, prayer helps us find rest. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Prayer reminds us that we are not alone and God is near. “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

Prayer opens our eyes to the nations. “May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth. May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you” (Psalm 67:4-5).

Join us this month as we pray for our sisters in southern Africa. “Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns!’ (1 Chronicles 16:31)