11 August 07 - 01:14
OUR FATHER
I remember the first time I ever heard a perfect prayer. I had been hired by my old boss and dear friend, Dr. Bill Moskal, to raise funds for Hospice and memorialized his wife Diane. Bill's sister had Downs Syndrome and was in a wheelchair. She had wanted to say the prayer before we started on our walk that beautiful day. The microphone was placed near her mouth and she said loudly, "OUR FATHER.........AMEN!" I'll never forget it. It was absolutely perfect.Tuesday, we headed back to the streets with the hope Our Father has placed in our hearts. We headed to the Brightmoor area and down toward familiar terriority. As soon as we saw the neighborhood liquor store, we thought we saw an old friend in the parking lot. We pulled up to the curb. Our eyes had tricked us and it wasn't who we thought it was... but it was who God intended us to meet that night. Lamont threw his arms up in the air and yelled, "WHERE HAVE YOU GIRLS BEEN?" He was so excited to see us as he grabbed his friends, Mike and Will, to come closer to the van. We gave them sandwiches and juice and asked if they needed prayer tonight. "YES" was the collective response, but before we could pray with them Will began:
“Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name.Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done. On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those that trespass against us."
As he paused and looked at me smiling, Mike chimed in and said, " And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”
We sat there stunned. And then we laughed. All of us laughed together with such delight. What a blessing and a joy to see these men tonight. To have them pray, to meet them on the street with open hearts that long for connection. This prayer was imbedded in their spirits as it is in mine.
And to think we came out onto the streets to pray with people. What an awesome reminder of the Holy Spirit going before us and that He is not just My Father or Your Father but OUR FATHER! AMEN?
Doretha seemed to be waiting for us. The first time we've been recognized on the street. She waved us down and asked for a ride to her home. Not something we normally do... but we were all in agreement and we siezed the opportunity to be alone with her in the van. Troubles, conflict, and struggles on the street, and relief from them are common prayer requests out here.
Another girl thanked us over and over again as she stepped away from the van. And I heard her say, "I really needed this tonight!"........... and Cindy called out "I LOVE YOU!" and the new girl said, "I LOVE YOU TOO!"
Thank you all for keeping us and keeping the girls in your prayers. Thank you for your generous donations. Every juice box, every toothpaste, and every sandwich goes to good use. God Bless you, your family and all your friends.
Love,
Lauren
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