Prayer days in different parts of Estonia
No one who knows God questions the
importance of prayer. However, even those who work for God’s kingdom often feel
that urgent tasks weigh so heavily on them that there is simply no time left
for prayer, especially communal prayer. When Ivo Käsk first called pastors
together for a day of communal prayer a few years ago, he admitted that he had
had the idea for a long time, but there always seemed to be “something more
important” to do.
With God’s help, however, a start was made,
and these meetings have continued with a certain irregular regularity ever
since. It is a joy that the prayer movement has gained momentum and, since the
beginning of this year, the pastors’ prayer days – as we call them – have been
held monthly. Whereas previously we mostly met in Türi in central Estonia, we
have now decided to cover different corners of the country with our prayer
network. Since the beginning of the year, prayer days have been held in Tartu,
Viljandi, Pärnu, Võru, and most recently in Narva.
To ensure that everything runs smoothly,
Kaile Tuvi has kept an eye on things, and our new union chairman, Aleksandr
Tsugai, has also taken this to heart. Various people have helped to keep the
prayer group going, but interestingly, there have been exactly seven brothers
and sisters at every meeting this year. However, the number of participants should
definitely not be a limitation for the prayer group. The blessings of coming
together have been felt through the Word, sharing experiences, singing, and, of
course, prayer.
The duration of the joint prayer time has
settled comfortably at around a couple of hours. It takes time to delve into
God’s majesty and greatness and to praise Him. It also takes time to lay out
our entire situation before Him and honestly admit our need for help. I have
felt that when everything is surrendered to God in prayer, an overflowing
gratitude to God begins to well up from the heart. It is wonderful to end the
prayer with this and receive “the peace of God, which surpasses all
understanding.” After praying, we have also shared a meal together with
what everyone has brought.
On Wednesday, November 26, I had the wonderful privilege of witnessing and participating in a prayer walk that took place in the city of Rakvere. The employees of the Estonian Union have decided to visit all Estonian cities and pray for the expansion of the city, its people, leaders, congregation, and God’s kingdom. I call it a prayer walk because the group of workers took a walk/journey through different parts of Rakvere. The prayer walk began in the parking lot of the Rakvere Adventist Church, where they prayed for the church building, the people, the pastor, and much more. Then the group moved to Vallimägi and prayed prayers of repentance. Next, we prayed in front of the theater/cinema and remembered that there used to be a monastery there. Finally, we said many prayers of thanksgiving again in Rakvere’s central square.
This was the first pilgrimage of its kind; until now, we have always gathered indoors, but in my opinion, all prayer meetings could be pilgrimages – it is so refreshing to move around, be outside, and pray in the fresh air.
I invite you, dear reader, to go on a pilgrimage every day. We need both physical and spiritual activity – a balance between the two is essential. We can pray as we walk past the homes of our neighbors, acquaintances, friends, colleagues, and complete strangers. We can pray for every person we meet and see them through the compassionate eyes of Jesus.
Let us incorporate more and more prayerfulness into our daily routine, that is, communication with God, our Creator. Everything is in His hands, and it is very important to Him that we, His precious children, so precious that Jesus died on the cross for us, communicate with our Father at every moment.
Let us share positivity, joy, love, care, attention, and kindness every day!
Article written by Hele Kulp and Külli Keel