the last bit of armor

Last night we got together again with the folks from the church in Liége. Every first Wednesday is singing in Maastricht and we have made this a time to sing together with the church from Liége, strengthening our ties, our language skills and our fellowship in the Lord.
We are always encouraged and challenged by the things said and sung in these times together. But last night I was particularly struck by something Clement brought up. He lives outside Brussels, meets with the church in Liége and also with the French-speaking church in Brussels and Namur. He speaks Flemish and delights in visiting and encouraging older members of the church wherever they are (he himself is above 70 years old).
Last night he took me aside to tell me about an opportunity to pray. On September 18 he will help with an evening in Namur about 'The art of Loving like Jesus'. He coveted the prayers of the church in Maastricht for this effort. Prayer is an essential element of reaching out. How can we expect any effort of ours to be effective without the strength and guidance of the Lord?
I was reminded of 'my' tomatoes and the parable of Jesus in Mark 4:26-29. We plant and God gives the growth. In Ephesians 6 we are shown the armour of God. The last bit, in verse 18, says: '...praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.' (ESV). Not an afterthought, but part of the planning for Clement - as it should be. We are so thankful for the various groups who are praying for what we are doing here as well. Let us pray!