Prayer in Las Ulvas

Leadership

It wasn't your ordinary drive to church. On normal roads, it's probably a flat 9 minutes. On these, roughly 45. In fact, when I say roads, imagine what you might find on a Jeep training course learning how to safely maneuver around rugged terrain without flipping. Throw in a handful of stubborn cows who occupy the territory more than cars, several sleeping dogs, and a maze of barbed wire gates to open and close, and you're there. In other words, if the eggs we had for breakfast weren't scrambled before we left, they certainly were when we got there.

It was interesting when we arrived. While the concrete structure seemed to be in the middle of nowhere with nothing around but trees, it was full of people dressed in their Sunday best and waiting for us. Greeted with handshakes, hugs, and bendiciones (blessings) we sat down and enjoyed a wonderful service full of music, several sermons...mostly in Spanish...and a lot of fellowship.

At one point in the front half of the 2.5-hour experience, the pastor started praying. Before too long the rest of the room joined in. All out loud and all with extraordinary passion. The noise was so loud, and they prayed so long, that you simply could not help but be stirred with emotion as the spirit filled the room. Even though we couldn't understand a single word we knew exactly what they were saying.

"And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power, may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.' After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness."(Acts 4:29-31)

As I listened to the chorus of voices belting out prayers and how overwhelming it was, I pictured God listening...and hearing every single voice, both in harmony and individually at the same time. In harmony as one body, his church, coming together in worship, prayer, and supplication. Individually, as if he could hear every single one of them like they were the only person in the room, speaking boldly just to him. Because they were and He loves them that much to listen.

God asks us to bring our cares to him with boldness.

For some reason, many of us struggle with that. I know I do. Watching my friends in the tiny, remote church in the village of Las Uvas ("the grapes"), Honduras I was blown away and reminded how powerful it is when we truly give it to God and let him move.

Whatever you are carrying today, you have a God who loves you so much, that he will carry it with you. Just bring it to Him boldly and unashamed and see what happens.