Lazarus Court
Last night, I had the opportunity to be an observer with Street Pastors in Doncaster. As y'all know, I've fallen in love with the town of Doncaster and can feel God's pull in my heart to the community there. This opportunity allowed me to combine my passion for Donny with the story and experiences God has given me.
Walking along the streets surrounded by people out at the pubs and clubs brought back so many memories - just three years ago, that was me. I was hit in a new way last night by all that I saw, experienced, and felt. I wrote this prayer to my Father, and it speaks in the most real and honest way that I can think to express everything. My prayer is that there is a message in here for you as well.
Father,
Thank you. In so many incredible ways, Lord thank you. I have felt your Spirit growing and active in me, and I can feel it more in my soul. Thank you Father for moving and answering prayers. Thank you so much for last night. I know Lord that you used us as vessels, as broken as we are.
Before going, I was praying to meet someone while we were out. I was praying that I would just get to be involved - not merely observing. Since arriving in England, I've been yearning and asking for ways to get involved with unbelievers, and you answered in such a beautiful way last night.
Thank you for your children out there. Thank you for loving us despite that dirtiness, the smell, the debuachery, the sin. I feel as if I got a glimpse into your heart again through them. Lord you let me feel nothing but compassion for them. There wasn't one judgemental though that came across my mind. My heart and soul felt so in tune with you.
Lord you know there were times I felt uncomfortable, particularly around drunk men. The fights between the couples were the worst for me. I could have easily gone down the rabbit hole of past trauma, yet you kept me steady.
We all arrived to help a man who was passed out at one of the bars. From the very start Lord, I felt you right there beside me. As I laid hands on him praying nonstop, despite the many bouts of vomiting, God you overwhelmed my heart with love for that son of yours. I heard you tell me, "He is mine. I love him fiercely."
Father you showed me that your love is unconditional. Even when we are dead in our trespasses, you make us alive. Through Jesus Christ, you have provided a way for redemption and forgiveness. You show us grace in kindness, not judgement.
As I think back on my life, I see all of my sin. I see the drunken nights. I see the skimpy clothes and lack of respect for this body you've made. I see my use of alcohol as an open door excuse to sin. I think of the fights due to those drunken nights. I think of all the shame attached to those memories and actions. Before last night night, I would have tried to just fight those feelings away.
Today, I feel free from that shame. Today, I feel as if I understand your gospel truth in a new light. Today, I get to walk and rest in the truth that I am loved: fully, completely, without regret - fiercely.
Even when I partook in the course of this world, carrying out the desires of my body and mind, you still didn't leave. You didn't give up on me in my darkest, and, because of last night, I see there is absolutely nothing that you will allow to separate us.
Jesus' blood is more powerful than it all.
Through his blood, we are reconciled.
Through his blood, we have redemption.
Through his blood, we have peace.
The court last night that was covered with pubs and overrun by the prince of the power of the air was called 'Lazarus Court'. That's so prophetic to me...as I prayed to you over that man last night, you told me of another Lazarus - one you raised from dead to life.
You want to do that here in Donny - in Lazarus Court. Father, I feel a revival is coming. I feel your Spirit preparing to move in mighty ways. Lord God, I know that I am yours - and I know you are going to use this fire in my heart for Doncaster as fuel to spread your life-giving truth and love all over this town - and all across the world.
Walking along the streets surrounded by people out at the pubs and clubs brought back so many memories - just three years ago, that was me. I was hit in a new way last night by all that I saw, experienced, and felt. I wrote this prayer to my Father, and it speaks in the most real and honest way that I can think to express everything. My prayer is that there is a message in here for you as well.
Father,
Thank you. In so many incredible ways, Lord thank you. I have felt your Spirit growing and active in me, and I can feel it more in my soul. Thank you Father for moving and answering prayers. Thank you so much for last night. I know Lord that you used us as vessels, as broken as we are.
Before going, I was praying to meet someone while we were out. I was praying that I would just get to be involved - not merely observing. Since arriving in England, I've been yearning and asking for ways to get involved with unbelievers, and you answered in such a beautiful way last night.
Thank you for your children out there. Thank you for loving us despite that dirtiness, the smell, the debuachery, the sin. I feel as if I got a glimpse into your heart again through them. Lord you let me feel nothing but compassion for them. There wasn't one judgemental though that came across my mind. My heart and soul felt so in tune with you.
Lord you know there were times I felt uncomfortable, particularly around drunk men. The fights between the couples were the worst for me. I could have easily gone down the rabbit hole of past trauma, yet you kept me steady.
We all arrived to help a man who was passed out at one of the bars. From the very start Lord, I felt you right there beside me. As I laid hands on him praying nonstop, despite the many bouts of vomiting, God you overwhelmed my heart with love for that son of yours. I heard you tell me, "He is mine. I love him fiercely."
Father you showed me that your love is unconditional. Even when we are dead in our trespasses, you make us alive. Through Jesus Christ, you have provided a way for redemption and forgiveness. You show us grace in kindness, not judgement.
As I think back on my life, I see all of my sin. I see the drunken nights. I see the skimpy clothes and lack of respect for this body you've made. I see my use of alcohol as an open door excuse to sin. I think of the fights due to those drunken nights. I think of all the shame attached to those memories and actions. Before last night night, I would have tried to just fight those feelings away.
Today, I feel free from that shame. Today, I feel as if I understand your gospel truth in a new light. Today, I get to walk and rest in the truth that I am loved: fully, completely, without regret - fiercely.
Even when I partook in the course of this world, carrying out the desires of my body and mind, you still didn't leave. You didn't give up on me in my darkest, and, because of last night, I see there is absolutely nothing that you will allow to separate us.
No sin too big,
no shame too great,
no guilt too heavy.
Jesus' blood is more powerful than it all.
Through his blood, we are reconciled.
Through his blood, we have redemption.
Through his blood, we have peace.
The court last night that was covered with pubs and overrun by the prince of the power of the air was called 'Lazarus Court'. That's so prophetic to me...as I prayed to you over that man last night, you told me of another Lazarus - one you raised from dead to life.
You want to do that here in Donny - in Lazarus Court. Father, I feel a revival is coming. I feel your Spirit preparing to move in mighty ways. Lord God, I know that I am yours - and I know you are going to use this fire in my heart for Doncaster as fuel to spread your life-giving truth and love all over this town - and all across the world.
In Jesus' precious name,
Amen
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