AUGUST PRAYERS

We’re on holiday in the States and enjoying some rest and refreshment.

Last week we had a really enjoyable week in Colorado. We were graciously hosted by our friends at Storyline Church led by JT English. We split time between Rocky Mountain National Park and Denver. Thomas preached at Storyline on Sunday and then we transitioned to Alabama on Monday.

Here are a couple of prayer points for us this August…

— Marriage and Rhythms

Monday was our 13th wedding anniversary and it marks 20 years since we first started dating in high school. God has been very good to us over these last 20 years of life together. Time away from the grind of normal life and ministry has been a critical way for us to assess where we are and where we want to go in the season ahead. Please pray for our marriage, that we’d be connected, communicating, and setting the pace for some healthy family and community rhythms in the year ahead.

— Family Time

It has been a really sweet visit in Birmingham with Thomas’ parents, brothers and families. We’re off to the Hart family lake house tomorrow for six nights before flying back to London on Friday. This trip has come at the perfect time for us. We’ve come to view the summer trip to the States not as the reward at the end of a year but as an essential ingredient to make the rest of the year work sustainably. Please pray that our children would really connect with and enjoy the time with grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. Pray that their connections and interactions for a few days would stick with them over the next year.

— Intentional Conversations

Summer allows us space to talk more deeply and reflectively with our children. Please pray for us as we have intentional conversations with them about what they’re learning in school and how they are thinking and feeling. Please pray for intentional conversations about their understanding of the gospel and that God would give them faith to trust in Him.

— Family Pace / Re-entry

It’s the time away that allows for space and perspective for us. We’re making some adjustments to our family rhythms and want to re-enter London next weekend with a different framework and faithful pace for our family life. Please pray that we’d walk in some of these new intentions that we sense the Spirit leading us to.

— Discipline for Writing

Thomas is working on a chapter for a book that he’s been asked to contribute to and is researching ahead for a big writing project in the new year. Please pray for discipline and diligence to fulfil these assignments that we believe the Lord has called him to.

— Summer Sessions

Lots of Redeemer is away on Summer holiday and the church continues to gather for her weekly rhythms. We have Park Picnics on Tuesday nights, prayer on Thursdays, and our Summer Sessions followed by Park Picnics as well. Please pray for Redeemer as they personally refresh over the Summer and also gather for spiritual strengthening and care.

— Two-Year Strategic Vision

Before entering into this Summer season the elders of Redeemer had their first retreat to form a two-year strategic vision for where we want to go in the season ahead. Please pray for our leaders and members to own the vision that God is leading us into.

That’s some of where we are and what’s important to us in this summer season. It’s the most calm and chill part of the year for us all. The kids will start back to school in early-September and the ministry year will get going soon after that. For now, we are so glad to be able to take it easy for a few days.

Thank you for your support and partnership.

The West Family

Then I thought, “To this I will appeal:

the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand.

I will remember the deeds of the Lord;

yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.

I will consider all your works

and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”

Psalm 77:10-12