7:15 a.m. - Kathy - The streets of Burlington are waking up - trucks unloading supplies, vendors getting ready for business. The sun is shining, temperatures warming; and we praise You, Lord, for the opportunity to be here. A few folks with backpacks are walking. The coffee house is opening.
7:35 a.m. - Father, as we have passed by some people with sad faces, we pray for them: the girl wrapped in a blanket waiting for the bus, the old man picking up the change off the street, the woman walking with downcast eyes. I wonder what's in their minds, on their hearts. They may not know the hope of Jesus. I pray for Dave, Restoration Church, as they continually minister here in Burlington. Please help them as they reach others with love and the truth of the Gospel. As we sit here in front of City Hall, we appreciate Your azaleas & daffodils. Please help the people of Burlington to worship the Creator instead of the creation. We pray they will come to know Him intimately.
7:50 a.m. - Lord, we notice there are few people on the street going to the waterfront. A few bikers, folks walking their dogs. Father, we pray for this father and his young son walking this morning. We know as we sit here overlooking Your lake, that Your sun unthawed, with Your bright purple azaleas and flowering trees surrounding us, that it is all about You. One day soon these boats will move with people, filling the lake. We pray for them and for their souls' conditions. Through the light of the lives of believers in Burlington, may they know You.
8:10 a.m. - Father, as we go back up College St. to Church St., the street is quiet except for cars moving. Then as we approach the park, we see more people. Vendors are setting up their booths of plants, shirts, food. They are very busy and focused. But a few do speak as we speak to them. Now on Church St., more people are walking, pushing strollers. Sad faces except for the one grandmother and her happy grandson saying, "Yeah" for the sunshine this morning. Now noticing the sign, we realize all the park activity was preparation for "Farmers' Market." As we stop in the bagel shop, we observe families getting breakfast: a mom with a stroller, a mom and her son, a young man reading the paper. Each is absorbed with concerns of the moment. I pray, Father, for each of these persons; for the concerns they have.
8:35 a.m. - Dewey - Finished having coffee and bagels. Kathie had time to talk with a young mother and her sick child. Leaving now to walk and pray before our relief comes on.
8:40 a.m. - Kathie - Slowly, the city pace is increasing. The city bus has
stopped. Lord, there are several walking slowly, laden with backpacks &
bags. Their walk is almost aimless. Please give them hope, Lord. This man is
moving to the music in his ear. A bicycle rushes by - he appears late for something.
Two pretty college-age girls, laughing, enjoying the Saturday off. There are
a lot of children out with parents. A ball bounces. The street person continues
to jive to his music as he searches through the trash cans. Another bus pulls
in. An older lady in a pink sweater moves very slowly. More children with parents.
A middle-aged man sitting on the sidewalk eating breakfast. The girl with blanket
comes back by. Father, all these people You created; all of them You love; all
of them You died for. I pray for Burlington's salvation, for Jesus to be known,
for Satan to have no victory. Thank you, Father, for the privilege of prayer.
- Dewey & Kathie