Acts 20:22a - And now, compelled by the Spirit, I go to Jerusalem...

The countdown is over. It's Friday night. Tomorrow the journey of a lifetime begins. I ask you now to pray with me as one part of the journey ends, and another part begins.

Please pray for our whole team - there are 2 dozen of us.

Below are some of the requests that the team has shared.

It is my burden to pray that God would prepare each of us for what will surely be a life changing experience to whatever extent we can break ourselves open to it. I am overwhelmed in these days before the trip by such a strong desire to be faithful to the investment God is making in me.

I want to genuinely connect with the members of this team, I want to passionately love & serve the people of Israel, and I want to powerfully influence my social & spiritual circles with a better understanding of Israel's place in our past, present & future on my return. And if everyone would please pray for my children & for me, as we prepare to be apart for 15 days - we are all three of us expecting an abundance of grace to get us through what will be our longest ever time apart..

pray for the team that we become one in the Spirit together. That we speak with one voice the love of the Messiah to Israel and each other. I want us to pray for Justin as he leads this team. That under his leadership our hearts and bodies will be in the right place at the right time. I want us to pray for Brent that the Lord will touch and direct him in just the gifts and talents he needs to draw us into a spirit of worship. I want us to pray for Sara that as she guides us that every site where she teaches will be as new and real as when Yeshua was there. I want us to pray for the person whose life is going to be changed forever on this trip. This person will start an entirely new life and walk with the Lord as a result and we need to lift them up.

Today it is my fervent prayer that everyone can draw near to Jesus. I just spent an hour talking with a friend, and with all the business of preparing for this trip, with all the requirements at work & at home & at church - all the things I try to do to prepare everyone for my absence - all the things I try to do to prepare myself for this trip - I was convicted as she suggested that I take time to be still - to know that He is God.

Martha Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her... Luke 10:41-42.

As I do so, I would love to pray for and with everyone. I hope God lays it on the hearts of everyone to utilize this medium to share, until we can connect in person.

I have a few prayer requests to add to the list :) I am in a big transition in my life and I would ask that my heart will be settled with peace. Please pray my health would be strong and I am asking to draw closer to the Lord.

I love the people of Israel and I want to be a blessing. Pray for those divine appointments and to be an encouragement to others. Prayer that our whole team becomes unified. Pray for the weather. It has been very hot. Past 100 everyday. Pray we will have breezy weather and that know one experience sunstroke or dehydration. Please pray for my family to be saved.

Pray that we don't lose any luggage, that everyone is safe. Pray for the testimony that we will have on our return, some of us to unbelieving Jewish families.

I don't know what connection I will have in the Land, and my cell phone won't work, so I'll be leaving it with my daughter, Rachel. Pray for her as she tours the homes of hospitable & generous friends & family. Pray for Jessica at Camp, as she'll be there without her sister and with the "older kids" - that she finds good friends & doesn't spend even one minute lonely.

Thank you for your prayers, and for sharing this journey with me!

In Messiah's Embrace,

Jennifer