Prayer Tip: Blessed, Bless, Blessing

On Wednesday nights at Resurrection West, all generations gather for an evening of connection, learning and fun. After our community meal, the students and children go to their programing and the adults break into small groups around the sanctuary, in the soothing room, in the Narthex and sometimes outside. The building is bursting at the seams and bustling with activity.

Recently, I spent time with a new group. We were talking about the importance of corporate and individual times of worship and how easy it is to get distracted by technology, tasks, random thoughts, etc. Naturally, the topic of prayer came up. I asked if the group thought prayer really mattered; did it make a difference; did it do anything; was God really at work in the world?

As we explored these questions, folks began to tell powerful stories of answered prayers. Sometimes, the answers weren’t the ones they wanted; but turned out to be the ones they needed. We all agreed that God is at work in and around us all the time. We just need to pay attention and hopefully, join in.

Our year one small group curriculum, which the aforementioned group is studying, is titled “Communities of Blessing.” I strongly believe we are called to be individuals and communities of blessing; to be the hands, feet, and heart of God in this world; to love and serve all in every way we can.

This leads me to a story about another of our Wednesday night small groups. As they enter year two, I saw them living out year one’s charge. I added a new couple to their group this year, a couple who’ve been through a lot. One of them was in a terrible accident last December and continues to have many surgeries and treatments as a result. Understandably, he hasn’t been able to attend his small group yet.

Last week, I visited him in the hospital. He was having a tough day, awaiting some critical news. I noticed he kept looking at his cell phone. I casually asked if someone was texting him. He smiled and said, “Yes, my small group.” My jaw dropped and my eyes widened. Eventually I said something eloquent like, “Your small group. Right. That’s awesome!” I was blown away. The group hadn’t even met him; yet they were texting and praying for him. They were truly being a community of blessing.

As I left the hospital, I kept thanking God for that group and for what I had witnessed. I was once again reminded that God is at work and prayer matters; community matters; blessing others matters.