Parents, I thought you might like to see what our day will be like today! You can pray for us as we enjoy our time downtown, praying about our city and it citizens. As you can see, this list is FAR from comprehensive, but these are the things that came to mind as I developed our prayer focus for this event.
CARTA pray day:
1) Observe the people on the bus, even the people in our group. Who looks happy? Who looks tired? Who looks sad or lonely? Who looks discouraged? As you take note of people’s expressions and their emotions, say a quick prayer for them that God will be a part of their day today and He will make his presence known.
2) When we get off the bus, take a look around at the buildings that surround you. Inside those buildings are more people who have stresses and concerns today. Pray that God will bring them moments of peace and freedom from anxiety.
3) Look at the sidewalk. Thousands of people walked these sidewalks this weekend as part of the Southeastern Wildlife Expo. Say a word of thanks to God that people came to our city this weekend and because they spent money, they contributed to the jobs that people in our community need.
We are going to walk towards the market area. Enjoy positive conversation with our group as we walk, but pay attention to the people you see as you walk.
4) As we enter the market area, take a moment to remember that although slaves were never sold at THIS market in Charleston, people were sold here. Say a word of thanks the we live in a country where there are laws that protect us all from that kind of activity.
a. However, people are still enslaved in this country and across the world. Human trafficking is multi-billion dollar business. Pray that the people who work to make this stop will be successful. Pray for those trapped in lives of enslavement that they will soon see freedom.
b. Pray also that we can be effective as a church body in showing people that Jesus is the way to escape the enslavement of sin
5) As you walk through the market, pay attention to the vendors. Many of them work here 7 days a week. For some, this is extra income. For some, this is their only income.
a. Pray that God will protect their merchandise from shoplifters
b. Pray that God will provide them with enough income to take care of their families
c. Pray for their health that they may work as many days as they need to
d. Pray that they will be honest in their business practices
6) You may see one vendor you think looks interesting. It’s certainly okay to have a conversation with them, bring a word of encouragement to them, even tell them that you prayed for them today.
We are now going to walk towards the College of Charleston (we are going to eat at at diner on George street…you’ll love it)
7) While we are in the diner and you are waiting for your food, make good use of your time.
a. Pray for your family and the relationship that you have with each member…pray that you will be a source of encouragement and joy to them
b. Pray for any concerns you have about friends, school, your future, your dreams, etc
c. Pray to be more surrendered to Jesus every day.
Enjoy your lunch and your time with friends! We are going to walk through the C of C campus
8) Pay close attention to the students that you see. Many of them are Christians, many of them are not. All of them are struggling with decisions and struggling to become adults. Pray that God will make His presence known in their lives in a way that says He is undeniable. Without Him, they are left to figure out their lives by themselves.
9) The College of Charleston has many professors who are atheists or agnostics. They are in a position where they can influence the minds and hearts of people who will be impacting our world in the future.
a. Pray that in spite of any hostility or agenda they have against Christianity that the Christian students on campus won’t lose heart and will stand firm in their faith
b. Pray that Christian students will minister to these professors in ways that show Jesus’ love is very real
We are going to catch the bus back to ARBC. As we finish out the day, pray for each other, our church family, our ministers on staff and their families, and the adults who work faithfully in the youth department.
Thanks for being a part of CARTA pray day!!!
May 30: Pot Roast dinner @ the home of Ruth and Albert Jenkins. We will enjoy great food and great discussion about the book The Shack. Meeting time is 6:30PM.
