The Reunion

We said, "Amen," and one hour later I received a text answering that very prayer: Ashanti's momma was connecting to say we could see her. I was a four and a half hours drive away at a girlfriends' weekend, but worked out all the details to be back home to collect my family and race to the meeting location. A group-hug and blessings were placed on me as I left the women who cared enough to pour their hearts out to God on our behalf. 

Terry, the kids and I speed-walked through the hallways of the mall, and Oliver was the first to reach our precious girl in the food court. Ashanti turned at his voice and grabbed his waist and held onto him with all her might. One by one, the rest of us caught up to him and she jumped from arms to arms clinging to each of our necks with silent tears brimming in her sweet black eyes. 

We hung out for over two hours in that place until every store closed and there was barely a soul left. After eight weeks of missing her terribly, our tears of joy replaced those of loss. We drank in every word and every smile and every hug until it was this nearly-four-year-old's bedtime. We squeezed her and her mother goodbye...until next time...and strolled back to our truck, tears stinging, but hearts full and grateful.

Day Five: Journaling Prayer

Draw them back to You, Lord! They need You sooo much! Their circumstances are drowning them! The words lifted from the page with three-dimensional power. How had I been over and over my journal and missed it? He had drawn them back. I'd come to my quiet time with a heavy heart about something else and Jesus took me back to a prayer request that He'd answered and I hadn't noticed. Of course, it was exactly what I needed in that moment. My faith was restored and a renewed joy and vigour took the place of despair. I praised Him for leading me to remember. Sure, He could have brought that thing to my mind, but because I learned to journal my prayers at a young age, I had an invaluable resource at my fingertips--written answers to things I'd agonized through and begged for change. Change crept in, every so slowly--or sometimes shockingly quickly--and I'd scratch down the miracle of it all--or not. In this case, I forgot to give God the glory. He'd done just what I'd prayed because it was His will that this family be saved. I just didn't notice when it actually happened. Tears came to my eyes and I was so grateful for my prayer journal. 

 Meg pointing out the details of God's creation to Ashanti

Something similar occurred in ancient times. King Xerxes couldn't sleep so he summoned for his servant to read him the book which chronicled his reign. (Esther 6)  There, in those pages was recorded how a man named Mordecai saved the king's life by exposing an evil scheme. But Mordecai hadn't been rewarded for his loyalty. Xerxes was quick to set things right. He was glad for the written word which didn't allow for negligence in giving glory where glory was due. 

Beyond recording answered prayer, journaling can be used to write down what you feel the Lord is saying to you through His Word or as you meditate and be still. Listening to God's voice and trusting that you are hearing as Samuel did will enrich your prayer time. Sometimes the voice is almost audible and other times, He speaks to your heart and you just know your thoughts are not your own. Write it all down, pray for revelation and confirmations that what you feel He shared with you is true and real. God never says something that would contradict the Bible but He may confirm what He's saying through other people. Always make sure it aligns with Scripture. Keeping a prayer journal is a tool you will be thankful you kept!

Oliver and his buddy settling in for a quiet movie after much running and jumping and playing