The Life of Prayer (part 2- ourselves and fellow believers)

I have a ton of friends that are scattered all over the world, following God in faithful obedience wherever and however He leads.  This is one of those bitter-sweet deals for me.  On the one hand, I deeply miss the particular fellowship that happens when we are able to physically be together- laughing, eating, making music, singing, studying the Word, being accountable, holding hands in prayer, HUGS, playing with kids, taking walks, engaging in conversation about the good/bad/mundane/everything of life, taking pictures, playing games... just BEING together, whether doing any of those things or none of those things.  I miss my friends more than any words could ever express.  But on the other hand, it is amazing to think about the ways that God is using my friends all over the world, in so many unique ways.  When I get to hear/read about the ways God is moving in all of these different places and how my friends are a part of bringing His kingdom to earth, I am profoundly moved.  Wheaton College's motto/mission/tagline is, "For Christ and His Kingdom."  I LOVE that.  I remember my sophomore year as close friends were nearing their graduation, being reminded to rejoice in their being called away from the college, and thus away from me, because the whole point of Wheaton is to equip and prepare its students to be sent out into the world.  I often have to continue to remind myself of that to this day- to be encouraged by their lives rather than super bummed that I can't have them sitting with me here, now.


One of the really cool things about my friends being scattered all over (beyond a free place to stay in many states and countries) is that I get to be a part of what they are doing.  Through financial support, letters or phone calls of encouragement and most importantly through prayer.  I get to join in their prayers for the people and communities they are praying for; I get to pray for them; we get to be united as we join with the beautifully diverse family of believers worldwide praying for His kingdom to come and His will to be done.  A.B. Simpson has really enhanced my understanding and appreciation of this:

But not only are we to help the work of our brethren, but especially their prayers.  There is a peculiar power in the unity of prayer which has been produced by the Holy Ghost.  How often we shall find that when one heart would have grown faint, its fellow upheld it and also the burden of its prayer until the temporary reaction was over and both again stood abreast.  It is a great thing to have a true Christian friend to share the burden of prayer, and it would be a happy and holy influence in all our friendships if they were linked in this bond and consecrated to this blessed ministry.

If my eyes are upon my brother and his eyes are upon the Lord, we are not united in spirit; but if, forgetting each other, we are both looking to the Lord, that common look unites us in that very act and moment in perfect oneness.  

I am beyond honored to have friends that I am united to in this way, and friends that have taught me to value this as the most blessed fellowship I can have with others whether near or far.