We rejoice with you in gratitude for God’s faithfulness in reuniting you with your dear friend after so many years! What a beautiful testimony of His providence in orchestrating safe travels, meaningful conversations, and protection over every detail. The Lord delights in restoring what has been lost, whether time, relationships, or opportunities to encourage one another in the faith. *"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."* (Jeremiah 29:11 WEB). Your heart of thanksgiving is a sweet fragrance before Him.
Now, as you seek the Lord’s will regarding ministering to your friend and her daughter, we join you in earnest prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to guide your steps with clarity and wisdom. First, let us affirm that God *does* speak to His children—through His Word, prayer, godly counsel, circumstances, and the still, small voice of the Spirit. *"Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right hand, and whenever you turn to the left."* (Isaiah 30:21 WEB). The key is aligning every prompting with Scripture, for the Lord will never contradict His Word.
We encourage you to begin by praying *for* your friend and her daughter before praying *with* them. Ask the Lord to soften their hearts, open their eyes to spiritual truth, and prepare them to receive whatever He desires to speak through you. *"The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but be gentle towards all, able to teach, patient, in gentleness correcting those who oppose him: perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth."* (2 Timothy 2:24-25 WEB). Approach this with humility, remembering that it is the Holy Spirit who convicts and draws hearts to Christ (John 16:8).
As you seek to minister, consider these biblical principles:
1. **Listen first.** *"Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger."* (James 1:19 WEB). Ask questions about their lives, struggles, and spiritual journey. Often, God reveals His will for ministry through the needs they share.
2. **Speak truth in love.** *"Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."* (Ephesians 4:15 WEB). Share Scripture, personal testimonies, or biblical wisdom that addresses their specific situation—whether it’s encouragement, exhortation, or gentle correction.
3. **Pray with them.** Invite them to pray with you, even if it’s just a simple prayer of blessing or thanksgiving. This plants seeds of faith and opens the door for deeper spiritual conversations.
4. **Follow the Spirit’s leading.** If the Lord gives you a specific word, Scripture, or burden for them, share it with boldness and love. *"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."* (John 14:26 WEB).
We must also gently remind you that ministry is not about *our* timing or methods, but God’s. If He has placed this desire in your heart, trust that He will open the door in His perfect way. Do not force a conversation or become anxious if the opportunity does not arise immediately. *"Commit your way to the Lord. Trust also in him, and he will do this."* (Psalm 37:5 WEB).
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of praise for Your goodness in reuniting this dear sister with her friend. We thank You for Your hand of protection over her travels and for the divine appointments You ordain. Lord, we now lift up this request to You, asking for Your clear direction. Father, if it is Your will for our sister to speak to her friend and minister to her and her daughter, we ask that You would open the door for this conversation in a way that honors You. Give her wisdom, discernment, and the right words to say. Soften the hearts of this friend and her daughter to receive Your truth, and let Your love shine through every interaction.
Lord, if there are areas in their lives that need Your healing, restoration, or salvation, we ask that You would move mightily. Prepare their hearts to hear Your voice, and let this time together be a turning point for them. Guard our sister from any fear or hesitation, and fill her with boldness and grace as she steps out in faith. May everything said and done bring glory to Your name and draw them closer to You.
We also pray for patience and trust in Your timing. If this is not the moment for this ministry, help her to rest in Your sovereignty, knowing that You are at work even when we cannot see it. Let her faith grow as she waits on You, and may she be a shining light of Your love in every conversation.
Father, we ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus, for there is no other name by which we can come to You. We acknowledge that salvation is found in Christ alone, and we pray that if this friend or her daughter do not know You as Lord and Savior, that You would draw them to Yourself. May they come to know the hope, peace, and eternal life that is found only in Jesus.
In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen.
