The song told a beautiful story, a boy walking past his Mom’s bedroom every morning, and catching a glimpse of her through the crack in the door, bowing on her knees. He knew she was praying for him and he sang, ”Love is calling out my name”. Through the rocky moments of his life the Spirit of God forever whispered in his heart and he knew, love was calling out his name.
There are moments in my life I know love is calling out my name. This love, is the love of God that will not let me go. His love stirs my heart to listen, line up with His will, serve Him. His love keeps calling my name.
I was on my first mission trip with a singing group in my early 20’s. We traveled throughout the U.S. and Iron Curtain countries. Generous people opened their homes to us along the way, and sometimes I was able to stay in a friend’s home. One night I stayed with my wonderful friend from college.
Not wishing to disturb her at the crack of dawn, I stepped into another room to get ready. I assumed the room was empty, but there in the darkness, on his knees, was my girlfriend’s dad. He was deep in prayer and did not give notice to my entrance. Quickly, I backed out of the room with my heart pounding. Personally, I had never witnessed such a thing: an aging man on his knees, intense in his conversation with God, disciplined to awake before the hustle of the day in order to meet with his Lord.
As I was leaving their home, I told me girlfriend what I witnessed. She told me he has been on his knees every morning of her life. She lives the fruit of her father’s dedication; a beautiful, confident, healthy, Jesus loving woman.
Oh, the humility of a man who recognizes his daily need for His Father God. Oh, the great love of a father who prays for his children’s lives every day. His faithful image remains etched in my mind.
Walking the brick streets of Prague, I had the privilege of partnering with a woman a couple of generations older than me. We were meeting Czech students and sharing Jesus with them. We prayed as we walked, asking the Lord to bring open hearts our way. Countless times students prayed asking Jesus to be their Saviour and Lord. With a bounce of joy in her voice, my partner would tell me, “We just entered into the prayers of their loved ones”.
Consistently, these students told us their mother or colleagues were telling them about Jesus. It became a life lesson to me. Now when I pray for the salvation and spiritual growth of others, I pray the Spirit will guide colleagues and friends into their lives who love Jesus. I am confident they become the ones entering into my prayers as my love and the love of God calls each of them individually.
We said our goodbyes to my husband’s dear Mother a few years ago. She was a great homemaker, generous giver, dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. Most of all, she was a lover of God who spent much time praying for the people in her life. I knew when she went to be with the Lord, we lost a mighty prayer warrior. I know her prayers are still bearing fruit because the Spirit is always at work, faithful to accomplish what concerns us.
Thanks to the modeling of godly men and women like her, my husband and I call out the names of our children. Each morning I pray over them, each evening their dad prays with them. Throughout the day, we pray for the details of their lives. We pray our children will love and desire God, honor Him in their friendships and work, and grow deeply in their character. Trusting wherever they go and throughout their lives, the love of the Father will continue to personally call them to Himself.
“In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.” I Jhn 4:10
If you would like to read more about the love of God and the Holy Spirit’s work in your life, you will enjoy the book of I John.
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