30 Days of Prayer: Day 23

Today, please pray for…

Retreat Attendees: Joyce, Susan, Lois and Lydia

Country: Cameroon

May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in him, so that we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

In whatever circumstances the women are arriving with, may they experience Your light and hope in some tangible way during the Retreat. May God visit these women with grace in their seasons of transitions. We pray that the barren landscape of trial will become the fertile soil for new growth. May our gracious God revive their spirit and restore their laughter. May they find Him in their pain and trust Him in their waiting. May the One who redeems all things meet them powerfully as they journey through a "Land Between" ( from The Land Between: Finding God in Difficult Transitions, Jeff Manion).

As Hope of the Harvest (WOTH's micro-loan ministry arm) is presented to the ladies at this Retreat as another venue of encouragement and resource for them, would You speak to them clearly if it is meant for them. We thank You for this incredible possibility for them to reach out and come alongside their impoverished national friends. Orchestrate the conversations and connections You know need to be made. In Jesus' name,

30 Days of Prayer: Day 22

Today, please pray for…

Retreat Attendees: Sarah, Charity, Angela and Melissa

Country: South Africa

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith...and the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast (I Peter 5:6-11). 

We pray protection for the women's families and ministries they've left behind; we ask that they be fully present for every aspect of the Retreat. Grant them peace of mind and acute ability to focus.

Many of the attendees are young moms. They probably left for the mission field with high expectations of "serving the Lord" with their husbands. The reality is that few expectations turn out to be what was envisioned. Their response to the "change in plans" and the stress surrounding it can affect relationships, and lead to questions as to their identity and purpose.  We pray that they feel safe at the Retreat and are able to share their hearts with their small group, counselor or other attendee.

Lord, confirm to these young moms who are homeschooling that they are doing vital ministry at this point in their life. Give them unexpected opportunities to connect with national moms and be godly role models for them. May these moms be affirmed in their value and encouraged to remember that this is for a season by older women at the Retreat, In Jesus' name, Amen.

30 Days of Prayer: Day 21

Today, please pray for…

Retreat Staff: Grace (Retreat speaker) and Christy Joy (Worship leader)

Country: Japan

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account (Hebrews 4:12, 13).

Lord, we thank you that Grace is coming as our speaker to Denver. Her passion for the Word runs deep, along with her heart for women on the mission field. We look forward to her leading us in the Truth. Father, would You please guide her every thought as she is still before You waiting to hear what You would have her share with the women. Guard her from distractions, help her focus, and give her insights all the way up to the time and during her talks; grant her the gift of discernment to be extremely sensitive to Your Spirit's guidance.

Lord, thank you that Christy Joy will lead us in worship. You know how music is a balm to our souls and connects us deeply with You. For those women who are exhausted and dry, may the music and words fall gently upon them and bring about new life.

Our prayer is that each time Your Word is sung, prayed or taught at the retreats, that it truly penetrate each of our souls, joints, marrow, judging our every thought and attitude, bringing glory and pleasure to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

30 Days of Prayer: Day 20

Today, please pray for…

Retreat Attendees: Sarah, Charity and Angela

Retreat Staff: Julie, Joy, Diane and Kari

Country: Ethiopia

God is strong and He wants us (and attendees) to be strong. So, let us take everything the Master has set out for us, well made weapons of the best materials. Help us put them to use so that we will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws our way. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Help us be prepared. We are up against far more than we can handle on our own. May truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation be more than words. May we learn to apply them. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. Prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Compel us to pray hard and long. Prompt us to pray for each other. Help us keep our eyes open. Remind us to lift each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. We pray that we will know what to say and have the courage to say it at the right time, telling the mystery to one and all (Ephesians 6:10-20, The Message).

The staff knows that they are in a ministry that flies in the face of the devil. We pray, in Jesus' name, for the covering of His blood over every aspect of this Retreat. May the Holy Spirit guard their hearts and move them to pray often and give grace freely to one another. Our desire is that this time away for the ladies be a sanctuary of rest and freedom. In Jesus' name, Amen.

30 Days of Prayer: Day 19

Today, please pray for…

Retreat Attendees: Linda, Susan and Hydi

Country: Mozambique

Empower us (and the missionaries) Holy Spirit, to let the peace of Christ keep us in tune with each other, in step with each other.  None of this going off and doing our own thing.  May we cultivate thankfulness.  Let the Word of Christ have the run of our homes.  Let us give it plenty of room in our lives.  May songs pour from our hearts to God.  We want every detail of our lives - words, actions, whatever - be done in the name of our Master Jesus.  Remind us to thank God the Father every step of the way (Colossians 3:15-17,The Message).

Father God, cause each of these women to honor their marriage and remain faithful to each other in every way. Holy One, we also ask that You protect each woman from every kind of impurity. Teach them to fear You rather than man. Enable them to resist the compromises that may be present in the surrounding culture. Holy Spirit, if any of the ladies are experiencing the unexpected journey of walking through the valley of their husband's sexual brokenness (or their own), and are living with feelings of distrust, shame, fear, anger, betrayal and grief, please guide them to the path of healing and healthy sexuality. Grant them courage to share their pain with someone during the Retreat. Our counselors are on site to listen and be a safe place for the ladies to unload and share their burdens. In Jesus' name, Amen.

30 Days of Prayer: Day 18

Today, please pray for…

Retreat Attendees: Jill, Martha and Celeste

Country: Costa Rica

Blessed are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of Your presence. They rejoice in Your name all day long; they exult in Your righteousness. For You are their strength (Psalm 89:15-17).

As we worship together, may You lead us to do so in Spirit and in truth.  Convict us of wrong-doing, draw us to repentance through confession and may we receive Your forgiveness and healing.  Free us from guilt and bondage; reveal truth to us. 

Lord, we ask that Your Spirit will reveal any areas of unforgiveness among Your workers. We battle an enemy who uses relational wounds to divide us in our goal of seeing Your Kingdom expanded. We pray against unforgiveness between team members (or national partners). May they have the grace to accept one another as they are, along with the wisdom and perseverance to work in unity.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

30 Days of Prayer: Day 17

Today, please pray for…

Retreat Staff: Debbie and Marilyn (Color Analysis Team)

Country: Spain

For you created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well (Psalm 139:13,14).

Lord, You know how many women struggle with self-esteem. We ask that You help these ladies live in truth and not belittle their value by dwelling in Satan's lies. Give them discipline, perseverance and creativity to take care of their bodies, and nourish their souls. Help them rekindle the desire to find and be consistent in having times with You where they are reassured that He knows their every need and cares. May their time at the Retreat lift their spirits and affirm their value and femininity.

When doing color analysis and makeovers, it is our desire for it to be a way of affirming the women's femininity, uniqueness and beauty. Let the appropriate touch be absorbed and cherished. May laughter and freedom reign. Guide us to pray for the ladies as You prompt and let them leave feeling beautiful. In Jesus' name, Amen.

30 Days of Prayer: Day 16

Today, please pray for…

Retreat Attendees: Caroline, Lynda, Leslie and Michelle

Country: Guatemala

Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30).

Thank you that these women have chosen to take a break from their daily routines and come to the Retreat. We ask that they hear Your voice and learn from You; may they experience Your gentleness and truly find rest for their souls. Renew the joy of their salvation.

Lord, we want to lift up to You the women dealing with various illnesses. Chronic fatigue syndrome, cancer, migraines, stomach issues and allergies are not uncommon on the field. Lead them to wise resources while in the States. Enable them to maintain a balance and joy in the midst of their struggle. May they sense Your presence in the discouraging, painful times. We ask that You give them comfort, grace, patience, supportive family and friends.

For those who have family/friends who are facing life threatening illnesses pray for wisdom in deciding when to stay or leave and possibly return for a funeral. It rarely is an easy decision. In Jesus' name, Amen.

30 Days of Prayer: Day 15

Today, please pray for…

Retreat Staff: Miriam, Bobbie, Elisabeth, Lydia (Counseling Team) and Sandra, Sandi, MaryEllen (Prayer Team)

Country: Ecuador

The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail (Isaiah 58:11).

Dear Father, we pray today for the Retreat's Counseling Team and Prayer Team. We consider it a blessing from Your hand that You have provided professional, trained individuals who can provide help and guidance for the needs of the attendees. We ask for team unity for the counselors as they come together. Please provide them with Your wisdom and insight as they prepare to listen and discern the women's needs; may they have Your heart and eyes only as they listen.

For the attendees, we ask that You would give boldness to those who need counsel; may they be courageous in reaching out and seeking help for their process of healing and restoration. Father, may they experience Your satisfying refreshment through "divine appointments" if they find themselves in "a sun-scorched land."

We lay these requests at Your feet and trust in Your provision. In Jesus' name, Amen.

30 Days of Prayer: Day 14

Today, please pray for…

Retreat Attendees: Donna, Shirley, Angela and Diane

Country: Argentina

We keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give each of us (and the missionaries) a Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that we will know Him better. May the eyes of our hearts be enlightened in order that we may know the hope to which He has called us. Let us experience His incomparably great power for each of us who believe (Ephesians 1:17-19).

Each of the ladies comes to the Retreat at a unique place in their faith journey.  When God doesn't meet our expectations of who we think He is, or what we think He should do (or should have done), our perception of Him can get skewed.  We ask, therefore, that by the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word, that each of us see clearly and fall on our knees in awe and understanding and acknowledge You as God.  We believe He is God, yet in the same breath, we plead that He help us in our unbelief.  Where the women feel unsafe with God, lead them to truth of Your ability and desire to handle doubts, questions and any kind of emotion.  You desire them to come as they are. May they see You in the truth of Your Word.  We ask that You rekindle their trust. In Jesus' name, Amen.

30 Days of Prayer: Day 13

Today, please pray for…

Retreat Attendees: Debbe, Ling Huei, Amy and Estella

Country: Mexico

May we not let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up, according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Please help us not grieve the Holy Spirit of God. Lead us in getting rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Help us be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave us (Ephesians 3:29-32).

When families are traveling hundreds of miles, staying in other people's houses, visiting different churches on their Sundays, living out of suitcases, the above verse is a hard one to live out. Lord, we cry out for mercy, a sense of humor, and unexpected surprises of Your grace while these families live in transition. We pray that friendship and family connections will be rich. Not to be taken for granted, we ask that their vehicles not break down.

Alongside this request, these women are dealing with roller-coaster emotions of re-entering their passport culture. It is known as "re-entry culture shock." Help them as they absorb their surroundings, attitudes, amenities, wealth, and inevitable contrast with their overseas setting. Give them the grace to see things as different, not necessarily as better or worse. Guard their hearts and minds with Your truth. In Jesus' name, Amen.

30 Days of Prayer: Day 12

Today, please pray for…

Retreat Staff: Pattie, Andrea, Barb and Marcia (Pedicure Team)

Country: Cambodia

Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (Ephesians 5:1-2, 8).

Father, as the volunteers make preparations to go and serve in Denver, we ask today that You would guide and strengthen them as they gather, organize and pack all the needed supplies. Please protect their physical health leading up to the Retreat. We pray that they would arrive rested and in good health which would enable them to serve You with the energy they need to endure the steady pace once the Retreat begins. Guard their hearts in these days leading up to the Retreat and give them a tender anticipation for meeting and interacting—"walking in the way of love," as your Word says—with the attendees.

Father, for the attendees, we ask that You would even now give them a sense of eagerness and desire to receive the love the volunteers seek to demonstrate toward them for Your sake. May You use that demonstration of love to affect healing and encouragement in their lives, which we know You desire to give.

We entrust these things to You, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen.

30 Days of Prayer: Day 11

Today, please pray for…

Retreat Attendees: Wendy, Leslie, Anna and Suzanna

Country: Philippines

I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth - praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake (Psalm 40:1-3; 23:3). 

We ask that Your comfort be felt in tangible ways when the women experience loneliness, depression and grief. So often while serving overseas one has to grieve losses long-distance. When news of a loved one's sickness, struggles or death occurs, the missionary woman can feel trapped and helpless with a gut-wrenching pain that those around her may not be able to empathize with.

Now that they are back in the States, they may have the need to grieve these losses with their families, but may find that their families have already moved past that stage. This may be an additional source of frustration, pain and confusion. There are times when the losses can be multiple (i.e. death of mom, grandmother, close friend). Processing these can be a lonely, long road. We pray on their behalf for Your comfort. In Jesus name, Amen.

30 Days of Prayer: Day 10

Today, please pray for…

Retreat Attendees: Kari, Marilyn, Patty and Tarah

Country: Mongolia and China

We pray that our God will equip these ladies for how He has called them to serve.  We ask that He will fill their good ideas and acts of faith with His own energy so that it all amounts to eternal impact. May their lives honor the name of Jesus. Grace is behind and through all of this, our God giving Himself freely. May Jesus and God our Father, reach out in love and surprise them with gifts of unending help and confidence (fun gifts at the Retreat, conversation), putting a fresh start in them, invigorating their work, enlivening their speech  (2Thessalonians 1:11,12; 2:16, The Message).

It is a challenge to integrate short-term missionaries into Your long-term plan, Lord. Please grant the missionary women hosting short-term teams with abundant love, grace, wisdom and energy as they try to do this well. In Jesus' name, Amen.

30 Days of Prayer: Day 9

Today, please pray for…

Retreat Staff: Sally, Jill, Saundra, Sharon and Jan (Pedicure Team)

Country: Italy and Turkey

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

Father, today we pray for the very practical needs of funding for the Retreat. As the volunteers creatively secure their needed support for serving, please enable them to communicate well the unique opportunity You have provided them through the Women of the Harvest ministry. As they step out in faith to serve the furloughing attendees, may You provide in a way that creates and builds a greater trust in Your ability to provide for their needs.

In addition, we also ask, Father, that you will provide abundantly the needed sponsorships for the Retreat attendees. We are confident in Your desire to bless, refresh and bring encouragement to Your daughters serving cross-culturally, and so pray in faith that You will provide for these practical needs.

We thank you in Jesus name, Amen.

30 Days of Prayer: Day 8

Today, please pray for…

Retreat Attendees: Aileen, Kelly, Shelly and Sophi

Country: Greece, France

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broke (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

Lord, significant friendships are even more valued when one leaves their family and country to serve You elsewhere. We want to ask Your blessing and provision of deep friendships for each attendee. May they thoroughly enjoy the "girl time" at the Retreat and perhaps even begin a new friendship. Our desire is that each attendee feel comfortable with her roommate and connect deeply with her small group.

Father, we want to lift up the single women serving You. Many of them have the desire and are open to getting married. May they trust You in this area of their life; we ask You to orchestrate meeting godly, available men, in Your perfect timing. We pray that they would form deep friendships either on their team as well as with national believer. Provide for their relational needs in unique ways and encourage them with deep companionship and the closeness of family and friends while in the States. Help them lean hard into You during dry, difficult and lonely seasons of life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

30 Days of Prayer: Day 7

Today, please pray for…

Retreat Attendees: Gail, Beth and Joy Jennifer

Country: Papua New Guinea

 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity (Philippians 4:10).

As missionaries answering God's call on their life...may they learn to be content whatever the circumstances.  They know what it is to be in need (i.e. under-supported), and they know what it is to have plenty.  May they learn the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 

Our desire is that they experience the truth of being able to do everything through Him who gives them strength. We pray that people who know them would renew their concern for these women, and take the opportunity to show it.  The missionaries aren't looking so much for a gift (although many of them need support), but for what may be credited to your account.  Gifts to them are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.  We are assured that our God will meet all their needs, according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. In Jesus name, Amen.

30 Days of Prayer: Day 6

Today, please pray for…

Retreat Attendees: Ruth, Aileen, Kathy and Shelly

Country: Germany, Romania and Lithuania

May we (and the attendees) celebrate God all day, every day - truly revel in Him. We are not to fret or worry. Instead of worrying, Jesus, help us to pray. May our petitions and praises shape our worries into prayers, letting God know of our concerns. Let a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, come and settle us down. Work each of us into Your most excellent harmonies (Philippians 4:6-9, The Message).

Once stateside, many missionaries often face decisions in regards to schooling options, special testing, further education, medical concerns, possible redeployment, kid's college choices, aging parents and their care, and needing to raise extra support. Any one of these can give rise to worry, fear and anxiety. Holy Spirit, empower them to practice and experience Your Word and peace as we lift these concerns before You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

30 Days of Prayer: Day 5

Today, please pray for…

Retreat Staff: Elaine, Barbara, Diane (Volunteer Staff) and Lorrie, Christina, Dana, April (WOTH Staff)

Country: Russia

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen (I Peter 4:10-11).

Father, thank you that Elaine, Barbara, and Diane are coming to do massages. What a blessing to be in a quiet room and have someone massage the knots out of a stressed body. We pray for physical, emotional and spiritual strength for the therapists as they will work many hours. Empower them to pray over the women.
Lord, we want to lift up Lorrie, Christina, Dana and April (WOTH staff) as they continue to work on countless details. Thank you for each of them, along with the rest of the WOTH Team who make these retreats possible. Lord, give them strength, health and joy as they work through the Furlough Retreat logistics.  Fill them with supernatural energy, wisdom, grace, joy and peace throughout the entire time. We pray for a unified team, one that enjoys each other and serves well together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

30 Days of Prayer: Day 4

Today, please pray for…

Retreat Attendees: Shelly, Suk Hui, Jodi and Rebecca

Country: Gambia

Thank you, Lord, that everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give us a spirit of unity among ourselves as we follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth we may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in Him, so that we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:4-6, 13, paraphrase).

Father, we pray the attendees will experience a renewed hope, joy and peace as they hear the Word and interact with Your truth while at the retreat. You know that many times interpersonal relationships on the mission field can be conflictive, draining and wounding. We pray for endurance, forgiveness, encouragement, wisdom and healing with much grace as these women strive to honor You in their relationships. We ask Lord, that You lead them to wise counsel while on furlough and bring light, truth and resolution into each needed situation. In Jesus' name, Amen.