We have started a study at church about prayer. At the beginning I was not very excited about this sermon series as we have all heard how important prayer is, but I tried to keep an open mind. Each week we have been given a challenge in our prayer life. I took the challenge that was given and I applied it to myself and I decided to start praying for someone that I have not been praying for.
In this adoption journey there have been several instrumental players to get us to the official waiting list. It is easy to pray for those that have been helpful. It is easy to pray blessings over them and shower them with love and kindness. It is easy to pray for my daughter, for God to prepare her heart and keep her safe. It is not so easy to pray for others.
Last week I challenged myself to pray for the others in my daughter's life. The nature of our adoption we will be dealing with children who have experienced loss and/or trauma. I have prayed for that loss. I have prayed for her family, both foster and natural family. Whoever has my daughter now, I pray that they feel the love of God. I pray that we will be able to have a relationship with them and be able to show them the love of God. I pray that whatever the situation is, they have peace and comfort in knowing their daughter will be safe and loved.
I also started praying for our social worker. I truly believe that social workers have the hardest job. They see the armpit of society. I pray that she is blessed in her job and not overwhelmed. I pray that our adoption is a renewing for her and not another task on her to do list. I pray that she sees how much we already love our daughter. I pray for her safety as she enters unsafe places. I pray that God will direct her to our daughter and there be peace in the situation. I pray that she sees the love of God through us.
It is amazing what God did to me as I prayed these prayers. My heart was softened. What had been hostility, anger, or resentment was broken. What was left was love and compassion. I know God uses prayer, but I always saw it as one sided. I never thought of it as God changing my heart, but God stepped in. He knew these prayers were not just blessings for others, but that I also needed to let go. That is the power of prayer!
