By Joy Grady-von Kleeck 

I know several of you like to read Norris Burkes’ column in the Saturday paper. I do too. He did a four part series on four essential elements of faith a few years ago 

He said prayer is such a simple concept; he said Jesus scolded those who would make it complicated. He posed this humble definition: “Prayer is talking to God in the same manner one talks to a trusted friend. The other side of the prayer coin is meditation. Meditation is listening to God in the manor we heed a trusted friend.”

I really liked the prayer he closed with. I think it is a prayer that we could all pray on a regular basis.

“Lord, find what I’ve hidden

Touch what I’ve hurt

Open what I’ve closed

Teach me what I refuse to learn

Refill the places I’ve emptied

And empty what consumes me.

Release what I’ve captured

Hold what escapes me

Invade what I defend

And defend what I’ve surrounded.

Amen.”

Strengthen the Underground Church in Iran

Source - Advancing Native Missions

Iran continues to be one of the most persecuted countries and one of the countries where Christanity is growing fastest. Underground house churches are reaching out with this oppressive place.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

*Almost 98% of Iran's population is Muslim.

*After decades of Islamic rule, many Iranian Muslims are disillusioned with Islam. 

*Restrictions on Christianity have made many Iranians curious about Jesus. 

WAYS TO PRAY

* Pray for Christians to persevere in their faith under persecution.

*Pray for the growth of outreach through online media, including 

Christian music programs.

*Pray for the success of online training and discipleship programs that house church leaders are using to minister to the large number of new believers.*Pray for the secure distribution of Persian New Testaments and Bibles. 

Send Prayer Chain requests to michellekmiller@yahoo.com