During the Women’s Conference in Yei, Sudan, we had many wonderful moments but one that has stayed on my mind to share was an experience that happened after our session on How To Pray. As a group, we decided to gather all of the women and split into smaller groups for a special time of prayer. What better way to put into practice what we had just learned then to take time and pray as one body. So, we divided into 7 smaller groups with one team member in each group.
The women absolutely took us by surprise with what took place next. The women of each group started singing in very soft, quite voices. Each group singing a different tune, yet hearing them combined together was just the softest, sweetest sound. Then, their voices started to increase, one by one, and the room increased with volume. They each increased their voices’ strength at their own time and calling. Eventually, the room was filled with a strong, passionate, roar of singing!
Next the women, one by one, dropped out of singing and started praying aloud in a very delicate, peaceful whisper. In time, each of the women moved from singing loudly to praying softly...in their own time...at their own pace. And again, the praying started softly and then increased with volume until the room was filled with this intense volume, strong passion and overwhelming energy for the Lord! The roar of singing had turned into a roar of prayer. The intensity of the prayer was completely engulfing and the room as individuals, yet one body, praised the Lord with all their hearts and souls.
Once again, one by one as the women finished praying, they went back into song. Starting softly and growing in intensity and volume. It is so difficult to explain the chain of events during this prayer time, but one thing I can tell you is we were all incredibly touched and in awe of the Sudanese women and their passion in prayer! They definitely should have been leading us in the session on How To Pray! We have so much to learn from them. They are not shy or self-conscious of how they might be perceived or what others might think of them. They stand out in their faith and rejoice in full volume to their Heavenly Father. What an incredibly powerful, freeing and exhilarating event to witness and experience!
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
~Matthew 5:14-16
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