Praise Ye The Lord

I didn’t notice one when we turned off the Farm Road, but then we knew where to turn. At the next County Road intersection, the sign pointed the way to the Praise Party. The one at the gate had fallen over, but there was a young man fixing it so it stood up straight and readable. Several people would need it to know where to turn in.

Our thermometer read 102, and a few fluffy clouds indicated the moisture content would provide a slightly higher “feels like” heat index, but there were plenty of trees providing shade over the drive where tables were set out. Let the fellowship begin, and it did.

I’m not a good crowd estimator, but there were about ten people who pulled up chairs around our table, there were four or five such tables, groups of chairs through out the lawn, a dozen or more children playing on the inflatable slip and slide (I really thought about joining them!) and at least a dozen food preparation assistants. Hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, tea, sweet tea, lemonade and trays of dessert, watermelon, cookies, brownies – we were to be filled.

Why? Our host and hostess wished to praise God for answered prayer.

Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. (1 Chronicles 16:8 KJV)

Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. (Psalms 30:4 KJV)

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 KJV)

There are regular church functions, and private moments, where we do give thanks for every thing – but last night was special. Everyone there had prayed a specific prayer request, healing for the host’s son while he fought leukemia. There were ups and downs. There were complications and unexpected virus attacks. Through it all we lifted him in prayer that God would provide strength for him and his family.

Only God knows why these fervent prayers were effective. Only God knows what glory He will receive besides a group who love Him met to praise Him.

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (John 14:13 KJV)

Let us never forget He is the reason for it all.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (Matthew 6:13b KJV)