January/February Update

Over the past month, I have spent more time in prayer, bible reading, fasting, repentance, and worship then I have ever before.

I have been asked, “Why are you praying?” in skepticism, hopefulness, and confusion. Honestly this question still shocks me. Prayer is the heartbeat of abiding in Christ. How are we to abide in whom that we don’t comune with? “Prayer puts on in the position to hear and understand. For the Christian, prayer is an indispensable ingredient to the proper understanding of Scripture.” (Introduction to Biblical Interpretation, 85). Prayer doesn’t always result in fire falling from heaven, tear streaked faces, or powerful instantaneous breakthrough, but prayer does connect us to the heart of God. That connection, my dear friends, is the sweetest fellowship. In prayer we are bringing our circumstances and measuring them to the grandeur of the One who is seated on the throne. Prayer changes nations (2 Samuel 24:25).

A few weeks ago I was listening to a sermon by Mike Bickle. He explained how everytime he prays, he pictures himself coming before the throne of God. This throne is consumed in holiness. Thunder. Lightening. The brilliance of Christ. The living creatures crying out Holy, Holy, Holy. The elders casting down their crowns. Seven lamps of fire burning. The sea of glass. The sound of rushing waters (Revelation 4). In prayer, the veil has been torn and we boldly approach this throne, not as peasants, but as heirs and royalty (Hebrews 10:19-22, Romans 8:16-17). Beloved, if the Spirit of God abides in you, you have washed your robes in the blood of the Lamb and can confidently draw near to this throne (Revelation 22:14). In His presence we receive grace and mercy (Hebrew 4:16).

The past few weeks I have been figuring out how to divide up my 25 hours. I spend around 15 hours in the prayer room, and 10 hours with different prayer ministries. During my times of prayer I focus on praying for Chicago, Moody, and various ministries on the other campuses. I have seen the Lord change and alter hearts in this times of prayer. I often with pray along with music. Student come and go in the prayer room. As a student enters I ask for God to reveal His heart to them, and ask for Him to guide my time that I may be a blessing to them. I’m honored to be a forerunner in the ministry that God is doing at Moody. I have seen students released from the grasp of sin, rekindle their love for Jesus, and come to a deeper understanding of the Savior we worship.

Prayers for Moody would include:

-That God would be worshiped through homework

-That Jesus would be the first love on every heart.

-That Chapel wouldn't be seen as a requirement, but an opportunity to encounter God

-That the community of Moody would be marked for prayer

-That the Spirit would abound in love, joy, and peace on this campus.

-That God would be glorified in our genuine fellowship.

The Lord keeps pressing on me my need to trust Him fully for my finances. I am leaning on the body of Christ to support for my education, knowing God is faithful to provide according to His perfect riches (Philippians 4:19). I have been learning that while I abide in Him there is complete joy and peace. He is faithful to provide in accordance to His will.

Please pray for me:

-That God alone would be exalted in this calling

-That I would be able to discern whether or not to get a job along with prayer

-That the lies of the enemy would be silenced in Jesus name

-That I would be known only due to the presence of the Spirit in my life

If you are interested in supporting, becoming a prayer partner, or getting a notification when a new blog post has come up, let me know! Peace, love, and joy in the Holy Spirit be with you all

Marina