A few years back I was praying for direction for FTGI. I was hoping God would direct me to something in the Bible to steer me. One thought led to another and I ended up in Isaiah chapter 61. It is a beautiful poetic chapter charging us as Christians to (among other things):
- proclaim good news to the poor
- bind up the brokenhearted
- to proclaim freedom for the captives
- release from darkness the prisoners
- to comfort all who mourn
- to provide for those who grieve
I love the way it describes the way that we are to bring hope ~~ bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair!
Whew! Like bringing oxygen to someone gasping for breath. What a privilege to be charged to bring such hope to those who are hurting! Everywhere you turn in this life whether they look like it or not there are people with deep hurts and need for hope.
This week I have the privilege of bringing good news to some prisoners. I have been invited to bring a message of hope to the women residing in a Pinellas county jail. I’m sure the platform won’t be fancy. I’m sure the facility will not be particularly comfortable. I won’t receive a speaking fee. I haven’t even given a thought to what I will wear. And yet this may be the most literal interpretation of what God has called me to do.
I find myself overwhelmed with the responsibility and yet I know that all I need to do is show up and allow God to speak his life and redemption through me.
There will be approximately 100 women attending. I am looking for 100 women to partner with me to pray this week over these prisoners for their hearts to be open to the redeeming love of Jesus that I hope to bring to them. If 100 women pray for one nameless but specific prisoner we will have each one of them covered.
Will you partner with me? Leave a comment to let me know.
Praying that at the blessing comes back around to you!!
September 24, 2013 at 9:06 am
I’m with you!
September 24, 2013 at 9:08 am
Thank you Kristi…if the Girls with Swords would pray tonight that would be awesome too!!
September 24, 2013 at 9:23 am
I’ll be praying!
September 24, 2013 at 9:40 am
I am with you!
September 24, 2013 at 1:40 pm
Thank you Lynndyll!!
September 24, 2013 at 10:10 am
I will be praying too! Thank you for offering us this opportunity to be a part of God’s work there! Love you!
September 24, 2013 at 1:39 pm
Thanks Bon…love you too! See you SOON!
September 24, 2013 at 10:25 am
I want to pray! I am in Brazil!
Spread Joy Today! Carissa Caricato 770-851-0546 http://www.HoolaforHappiness.org
September 24, 2013 at 1:37 pm
Thanks Carissa!! Worldwide prayer! I love it!! prayers back at ya… xo
September 24, 2013 at 10:53 am
With you.
September 24, 2013 at 1:36 pm
Thank you April!!
September 24, 2013 at 12:05 pm
Yes Tracy..I will be praying for you
..if there is something you want me to pray for privately ( private message)..standing with you..
September 24, 2013 at 1:36 pm
Thanks Vera!!
September 24, 2013 at 12:54 pm
I would love to pray for these women and I’ll invite our Monday night girls to pray too. 🙂
September 24, 2013 at 1:36 pm
Thank you Sarah!! xo
September 24, 2013 at 12:59 pm
I am honored to get to pray.. God is so faithful!!
September 24, 2013 at 1:34 pm
Thank you Michelle!
September 24, 2013 at 3:03 pm
<3 I will <3
September 24, 2013 at 4:33 pm
Thank you Mari!
September 24, 2013 at 3:22 pm
I will pray, so count me in!
September 24, 2013 at 4:33 pm
Thank you so much Kaitlyn!
September 24, 2013 at 7:23 pm
I will pray for you and these women.
September 24, 2013 at 8:35 pm
I will be praying!
September 24, 2013 at 10:37 pm
Count me in:0)
September 25, 2013 at 10:37 am
I will partner with you Tracy and pray for a specific woman. When is this big day going to happen?
September 25, 2013 at 11:28 am
Thursday at 2pm
September 25, 2013 at 11:28 am
Thank you Julie!!
September 25, 2013 at 3:03 pm
Count me in! I will pray for you as well as for a specific woman.
September 26, 2013 at 4:02 am
I’m praying with you Tracey!