While driving home from work earlier this week I was listening to a podcast of Mark Batterson who was finishing his series on The Circle Maker (highly recommended book by the way).   He mentioned a guy named Frank Laubach, who was a missionary in the Philippines.  Occasionally, Laubach would ride the bus, sitting in the back where he had a good view of every one on board.  Then, he would begin a "work of prayer".   He would focus on each individual, sometimes choosing certain ones in which he would pour as much love into as possible thru prayer.  Other times, Laubach pictured Jesus walking thru the bus, pausing by the person he was praying for and putting His hand on their shoulder to encourage and bless them.

Many times, life on the bus continued as normal.   But sometimes, He would notice the person kind of jump or look around to explain a feeling they just had.  Some relaxed and smiled. Still others, would turn and face him and begin a spiritual discussion with no prompting.  He cultivated a habit of continual prayer.  That just seems fascinating to me.

It caused me to think about our 100 in 2012 initiative (or whatever you call it).  Prayer really needs to be a key component of that.  There are some in our church who are passionatley praying for this.  Others, who may not have prayed for this at all.  Being perfectly honest - I'm somewhere in between.   Quoting Batterson from his book: "We're willing to pray right up to the point of discomfort, but no further. We're willing to pray up to the point of inconvenience, but no further."  Ouch!  Looking in the mirror is not always pleasant.

Pastor Brett has shown a video in church a number of times called Give Me Your Eyes.  This isn't the same video, but it is the same song.  It's a song; and it is word; and more importantly it is action I need in my own life.


(PS.  Regarding Frank Laubach.  He didn't just sit around praying either.  He was known as "the Apostle to the Illiterates", developing the "Each One Teach One" literacy program in the Philippines.)