mmediately after our church's worship service one particular Sabbath, Anne, one of our vivacious, cheerful church members, approached me. I had worked with Anne for several years in various ministries of our church. Anne assertively looked me in the eye and said in her melodious British accent, "Bonita, I would like to be your prayer partner."

During the worship service that had just ended, the prayer ministry team of our church had announced that they wanted to perform a tangible ministry to their pastoral team. Thus, they had decided they wanted to encourage the church members to connect with a pastor and be their prayer partner (see Partners in Prayer, p. 29). As a member of that pastoral team, I find it difficult to express how valued I felt by their actions.

Anne was the perfect prayer partner for me. She was a little older than I, with rich life experience, so I embraced her wisdom and insight. I valued her assertive nature to come into my office and ask me directly, "How are you doing--honestly?" I appreciated the fact that I knew I could ask for support and know that what I shared remained between us. And I knew I was a regular item of discussion in her talks with the Lord.

I have since left that congregation. I brought with me notes, cards, books, and other reminders of those people I ministered to, and who ministered to me. Those people all hold a special place in my heart. Anne's place, though--where prayer lives--is just a little larger.

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BONITA JOYNER SHIELDS