There were only five. I met with them on a spring evening, a Thursday, at 7:00 p.m. 

White hair. Wrinkles. Glasses. Age graced each one. Love adorned each one. Five faith-filled followers of Jesus, who counted it a duty and delight to pray for others, met in Mr. Mayer’s living room. 

Most had been involved in missions overseas or in their neighborhood. All had been meeting for decades to pray for global workers, to listen to global workers, to enjoy a cookie and a cup of coffee with global workers. One of the members of the prayer group collected and printed prayer requests. Another was responsible for inviting global workers to come share about the ministry they were involved in. They each took turns hosting and leading the meetings. 

No website exists for this prayer fellowship. No blog posts, no social media page, no fanfare. Once a month, every month, year after year, they simply meet, talk, laugh, and pray with each other on behalf of their far-flung brothers and sisters in Christ. 

I shared briefly about the work the Lord is enabling me to do for Him. But they were interested in more than the work. They were interested in me. They asked about my family, our five children, my aging parents. They asked about practical needs we might have this next year.  

Then they prayed. Refined by decades of intercessory prayer, the five prayed confidently, sure that their prayers mattered. They prayed compassionately, drawing on their own lifetime of sorrows and joys. They prayed comfortably, knowing that the Lord delighted in meeting with them this spring evening in Mr. Mayer’s living room. 

Five faith-filled followers of Jesus – who pray.  

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42