When something good happens in our life, we want to find someone to tell, inviting them to share in our celebration. When my husband's mother was on this earth, I loved calling her to tell her when one of her grandsons had accomplished a great feat, made a good grade, had a good game, won an award, etc. She was always so excited to hear all the details and to show up for the celebration. I think this is part of God's great design. Good news can't be contained, you must find someone and tell what has happened.
In February 2003, three moms began to pray for their families. We had previously been part of a group that prayed for our children and their school, but felt the need to pray for our husbands who were on the front lines for God in their workplaces and for all our children who were at various schools. We prayed for several months, and quickly noticed God molding our time together, weaving scripture, intercession and supplication for our families while building us in unity.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Psalm 32:8 NIV
One afternoon during a casual conversation with my pastor's wife, I mentioned that a group of ladies had begun to pray for our families. I explained it was different than one established in our community. She listened intently then with a gentle smile she encouraged us to "share" what God had given us. I stated that is was just a few of moms, not some official organization. She reminded me of the following story of from John 1:
Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter ).
The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.” Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” John 1:40-45 NIV
When Andrew and Philip found the Messiah, the first thing they did was tell someone about the marvelous treasure they had discovered. My pastor's wife, greatly encouraged us to tell others, and to openly invite other women who needed prayer partners for their family. She invited me to speak to a group of new moms and share in a small Bible study group of ladies with all ages of children, including women in Uganda. I am grateful for her encouragement, and have been helping ladies pray for their families ever since.
Our prayer ministry has since grown into a 501c3, non-profit ministry called Circle 2 Plus. We have shared our ministry of prayer through worship events, retreats based on the study of the Tabernacle in Exodus . Last year we were called to launched Chalk Borders in order reach a wide range of parents needing prayer and encouragement. Thank you for joining us on this wonderful adventure with our LORD.
Circle 2 Plus and Chalk Borders belongs to the LORD. It is all His, for His glory and for the honor of His kingdom. If you enjoy or find encouragement from this site, tell your friends, sisters, or a mother in your child's classroom who needs to hear a positive word. We are all imperfect, but by sharing life experiences, we can keep each other company on this journey until we are called Home to our Abba Father.
I call to you, LORD, come quickly to me; hear me when I call to you. May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.
Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips. (Psalm 141:1-3 NIV) May your children bring You glory and honor as we encourage each other. May Your faithful prayer warriors be ever before Your throne interceding for their friends. May we be bold to pronounce the goodness of our ABBA, Father and bring our friends to You. Amen.