40 Faces, 40 Places: A Devotional JourneySample

Robert from Cumbria

Sometimes whole-life discipleship looks like consistent frontline prayer patterns.

I work at a petrol station. As I drive to work each day, I ask the Lord to bless my lips during the shift, that I will glorify Him and bless customers through my speech, and to bless my till for accurate work. At the beginning of the shift, I ask the Holy Spirit to come into the building, and I see His presence around me – recently, some potentially disruptive people came on-site late one evening, and when I prayed for them to go, they did!

I have UCB radio on in the background 95% of the time, with no adverse comments from customers, and it provides me with ‘faith company’ during my shifts. Three of us from our group of five petrol stations also have a Messenger group and pray daily for our sites.

Christ’s presence through me has not yet resulted in any colleagues coming to the Lord, despite much prayer over many years, and this is a very difficult wait. I’m very open about my faith. When customers comment on my cheery disposition, I simply reply, ‘I have a good God.’ When my employer alludes to my positive manner with the customers, I truthfully observe that ‘it’s genuine.’

Reflection

When bad news and danger come into Daniel’s life, he doesn’t have to create special times to pray – he already has a prayerful pattern and place in his daily routine. Similarly, at a moment of crisis, Daniel returns to his regular place, posture, and time to pray. It results in more trouble initially, but ultimately, it’s his source of strength and rescue.

Robert also has many consistent patterns for his frontline that are helpful to him and helpfully challenging to us. He prays a powerful prayer during his commute for his words, work, and impact on others. At the beginning of his shift, he prays for God’s presence and sees the difference it makes. While at work, he listens to a Christian radio station which helps keeps his focus on the Lord. He links up with other Christians in the same company each day to pray for their workplaces.

Do I have regular places, postures, timings, and prayers for my frontline?

Prayer

Lord, what are Your lessons for me from Robert's daily patterns? Help me seek out other Christians on my frontline so we can find ways to support each other in prayer. Help me help mold the culture of my frontline positively and be ready with an answer when people notice my attitude and contribution.