Presence, past and future

prayer and worship, inviting God’s Kingdom in more tangible ways into the nations. Another international group I was invited to join and serve on was The UK/DE Prayer Bridge group. Our friend Jane Holloway from the World Prayer Centre had invited me on and together we have met many times praying and worshipping particularly over the European nations. One of our most significant calls was the release of 25 hours of worship over these nations, concluding at the moment of ‘Brexit’ We sensed and contine to pray not for a dividing of the UK from Europe but stronger connections for God’s glory. In between lockdowns I continued to serve with Tracy at the Beacon for as many ‘in person gatherings’ as we could. In between times I’d often lead worship for some of our regular online city prayer times organsied by Robert and Lloyd. Part of this season was also the collaboration on a major project by Je Lowe who has been recording every Psalm faithfully whilst friend and journalist Tony Cummings has been writing an accompanying book.

Present, pastandfuture

So here we are, in 2022 and COVID is still having an impact on lives but the world has begun to open up again. Travelling to lead remains quiet, some online worship is still regularly happening. House of Prayer life is reforming and reshaping. City leadership gatherings are happening, one to one mentoring is under way and our ears are open to the life of ministry to Jesus in a new season. Most recently this year on a trip to Luton to oer help with a time of continuous worship and prayer, I felt God say this. ‘You are to be a knot in the net’ It feels like He is asking me to take what I have, who I am and what I’ ve learned to help tie together what is happening for His glory. Strengthening and maybe even restoring some things. So. I’m looking for those places, not to force a way in but to be a fellow worker for the Kingdom. Even as I write today I’m joining the Burn 24/7 friends raising up worship and prayer in Birmingham as the city hosts the Commonwealth games. Through it all God has been faithful to us in the good and the scary times. Our children, Jess, Sam, Lily and Lizzie have grown up in the middle of it all and each has stories to tell of what God has done. We also know that they have often paid a price for choices we have made on their behalf. We are so grateful to God for them. He has provided in so many, often miraculous ways even when I may have wondered what was to happen next. It’s with all this in mind and still questions about Presence future we want to stay thankful for all that’s past but awake to whatever He has in store next.