Praying this week ...

This morning we sang one of my favorite (at least right now!) worship songs ("Dessert Song" by Hillsong) at church. The lyrics are stout ... tough to sing at times. I often find myself wondering, "Do I really mean this?"

This is my prayer in the desert
And all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in the hunger in me
My God is a God who provides

And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames

Do I really want the Lord to refine me through trials? I'd be lying if I said "of course I do ... bring it on!" So each week that we sing this I challenge myself to consider what I'm singing.

Today, Karla lead our worship time with this song. Karla is married to Jonathan, our pastor of global disciple-making (and my boss). Jonathan was diagnosed with a brain tumor a little over a month ago and will have surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible on March 22.

Songs tend to hit me differently when I know what the worship leader is going through. You know? And to hear Karla sing this song in the midst of their current circumstances was truly powerful.

And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon forged against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

Over the next few days, Jonathan and Karla and their kids are taking some family time before the surgery. Will you join me in praying for their time together? May the Lord richly bless this week and give them special moments and memories throughout this time.

You may also remember a while back I asked you to pray for Sterling. He also has a brain tumor and is still dealing with seizures. Sterling will be in the hospital this week so his doctors can watch his seizures for a four-day period. His family is asking that he would have lots of seizures during this time so the doctors will see exactly what they need to see in order to proceed with additional surgery this spring.

All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

May we remember that we truly have a reason to worship ... in every circumstance! Thank you for joining me in praying for Jonathan and Sterling this week!