Brother A. P. was an elderly deacon in my home church when I was a teenager. He faithfully attended services and was known as a prayer warrior. I learned that he prayed for me every day at 1:00 pm.  That made me feel good, but at the time I didn’t appreciate it as much as I do now.

When I was in college his brother, who lived off somewhere, passed away.  A. P. lived alone and was unable to attend the funeral.  Someone at the church asked if I’d be willing to visit and sit with him during the time his brother’s funeral was taking place.  It was the most time I’d ever spent with A. P. and I got to know him better during that hour.  I still remember that visit and in my mind I still see him.

Today I’m thankful that a brother in Christ four times my age prayed for me every day when I was a young preacher.  While I won’t know the full impact of his prayers until I’m heaven, I am confident that his prayers made a difference in my life.

I don’t know everything God will do this coming weekend during our Prayer Empowering Weekend.  What I do know is that each person who participates will get to know some other brothers and sisters in Christ better than they now know them.  I also know that we are going to pray for one another.  From all of this will come a whole lot of spiritual encouragement.  I can also imagine that some of us will create a special memory like the one I have of A. P. Williams.

I’m excited to know that so many in our Family of Faith are going to blessed in a rich way.  Please don’t miss the blessing God has for you.  I’ll see you Friday evening.

Pastor Steve Hogg