Free Prayer

This weekend I had the extraordinary privilege of working with Nate Garrett (randumblog.com) as we served Tiger Brooks and a host of other churches in Kingsport, TN. On Saturday, the leaders had planned a block party to reach people in the community. Nate and I commented to one another, “What would it be like if instead of a free hug sign, to have a Free Prayer sign.” So we took a ratty piece of cardboard, wrote “Free Prayer” on it, and made our way to the street corner. Not knowing how we would conduct this ministry venue, we began to pass ideas back and forth. We prayed for every person who went by regardless of whether they acknowledged us. We waved at everyone while holding our sign. If anyone were to stop and request prayer, then we would writer their names down on the back of the sign.
In just a few minutes we could feel the Holy Spirit stretching us with joy and excitement. What started in a question, turned into being the best ministry moment of my life. Immediately a funeral procession passed by and one car load after another through the windows mouthed “thank you.” I was so struck by a young couple with a new born who pulled up to the corner, cracked their window, and the lady in the passenger side said, “just pray that we make it.” People were asking for prayer for their moms because they worked hard, friends because they had cancer, ex-wife, daughters who did not know Christ as Savior, marriages, and even a money order that was misprinted. As we prayed with people some of the students from the block party joined us for support. Then we met “Nila.” She drove by only to turn around and stop. She said, “Just last night I was planning my suicide. I have been struggling all morning and on my way home I was compelled to drive through downtown. Now, I know why. I need prayer. I know Jesus as my Savior, but there is so much darkness in my life and I am worn out. Would you pray for me?” We began to pray as she prayed with us. Such a powerful moment.
“For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the LORD our God is to us, whenever we call upon Him (Deut. 4:7)?” I never thought a sign with an invitation to be near God would be so compelling. Announce to someone today, Free Prayer. And join us in praying for those who God has sent our way.

2 Responses to “Free Prayer”

1. Larry Terrell says:

   March 1, 2011 at 2:55 pm

   Brian, thank you for your ministry and the example that it sets for those of us intent on growing in our service of the Lord. I love watching God teach us how reach people through an unasuming evangelical like you. It is truly “let go and let God” in action. Praying for and with you, my friend.

   Reply
   • Brian says:

     May 10, 2011 at 4:10 pm

     Thanks Larry,
     I thank God for you and your family.

     Reply