Have you ever crossed some wide, wild chasm on a pedestrian rope bridge? The kind that swings and sways with every step and every breeze?  If you have, you know that every movement on that bridge connects all who are on it at that moment. Every sojourner feels not only his or her own steps, but the steps of every other person as well. It’s a connection without physical touch, but a deep connection, nonetheless. Prayer is like that footbridge. As we lift one another up to God, we connect not only to the Father, but to each one on our prayer lists and to others making similar requests. It’s a unique spiritual experience. 

Jesus assured us that God hears our every prayer, whether whispered or shouted, whether timid or bold. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says “Knock and the door will be opened to you,” (Matthew 7: 7-8), emphasizing that if we want guidance and answers, we have to take the first step—we have to ask. Jesus also extols the virtues of persistent prayers in his parable of the determined neighbor in Luke 11:5-10. In it, a friend knocks on a neighbor’s door at midnight requesting bread for a visitor. Initially, the neighbor refuses, saying he is in bed and would be inconvenienced. But the friend continues to knock until the neighbor gives in and provides the bread.  Prayers never inconvenience God, but He does honor our persistence—especially in groups. 

That’s why Vision Africa has a prayer team—to make a connection and provide a persistent prayer chain around the world for comfort, healing, and guidance.  As our prayer team numbers have grown, so have our prayer requests, so that, today, donors and friends ask for prayer at least once a week. We are confident that God is using this ministry to draw followers closer to him and to act as a beacon for Jesus. Through prayer, our team divides the burdens being carried in life’s valleys. Imagine for a moment your own valley of grief, illness, loneliness, family dysfunction, financial struggles, or other cares, and then imagine God being petitioned from all over the world on your behalf. Other Christians bending God’s ear for your cause: how could that possibly fail to comfort and uplift you? 

Prayer team members report that they also are blessed in this endeavor. Indeed, it is a privilege to be entrusted with the personal cares of others, and the more we practice intercessory prayer, the more it teaches us and draws us closer to God. Praying for others helps us forgive more and love better. But, perhaps, the greatest joy of all is that it’s available to every single one of us. Each of us has a hotline to the Creator of the Universe. There is no “audition” or “try-out” for the prayer team. You just say “yes” and start praying. It’s a service to others that will definitely bless and serve you, too. 

Are you the missing link in our prayer chain?  Sign up for our prayer team today at this link: https://www.visionafrica.org/contact/ and see what connections God will make for YOU.