WEEK #2 June 18-24, 2007

A class assignment was to read Joy Dawson's book titled "Intercession - Thrilling and Fulfilling". Using her principles for effective intercession, we divided into two groups and prayed for God's heart on behalf of the nations. It was a very moving experience as God revealed to us the things He wanted us to pray for.

As the week progressed our speaker, Donna Jordan, taught and modeled for us how to listen to God. So many times, we pray but don't take the time to listen . . . really listen to God. The week culminated on Friday when Donna challenged us to find a quiet place and ask God three specific questions:

1) What do You think of me?
2) What plans and purposes do You have for me?
3) What do You and I have in common?

We also each randomly drew another classmate's name and were to ask God, "What do You want to say through me to _______?"

Applying what I had been taught this week about preparing my heart to hear from God, my answers to the first three questions came rapidly. But it is one thing to ask God to say something to ME, and quite another to ask God to say something THROUGH me to someone else! But I did ask, and He did say something. I was a bit unsure when I read it to her, but she was obviously moved. Nat's word to another man was very specific, and was right on!

I will take the spiritual principles taught this week to energize my prayer time!

Sunday, Nat & I had kitchen duty for the entire day (every student will have this assignment one Saturday or Sunday during the three months we are here in Salem). It entailed breakfast prep & cleanup, coupled with sack lunch prep & cleanup, and dinner prep & cleanup. WHEW! It gave us a deeper appreciation for our fellow classmates who have these work assignments regularly! Hospitality is looking better and better . . .

Between breakfast/lunch and dinner, we joined some folks for worship at Salem Vineyard Church. It is a great fellowship, and we heard a good teaching on "The Food of the Father's Will" from John 4:27-38.

It was a good week, and we are looking forward to all that God has for us during Week #3 . . .