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There are lots of things I love about my cousin, Jana. She is always up for a good game of cards, her hospitality is unmatched and she doesn’t hold it against me for that time I bit her when I was a toddler and she still has the scar. But my most favorite thing about Jana is her love for the Lord and how she encourages me (and so many in our family) in our prayer life.

Fifteen years ago, our extended family gathered for Christmas. There were dozens of us in the mountains of Georgia and at one point many of us gathered for prayer. This in itself wasn’t unusual, as faith is deeply ingrained in my heritage, but an idea was born. The time was special and we didn’t want it to be over and done. We agreed to pray routinely for each other, and Jana offered to send weekly email reminders.

Since that time, Jana has been consistent to keep us connected through prayer for each other. Very nearly every week since that Christmas in 2011, Jana has sent an email out to the list, which currently includes 23 of us. Sometimes the email is a specific prayer request or praise – like a new baby! Sometimes she sends a devotional that she has found. Some weeks others in the family have sent out a specific message. But usually, Jana has been the faithful servant in our prayer ministry.

The past year she chose a theme each week and a corresponding bible verse that we can pray for each other, together. This week it was to pray for courage and the verse was: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9, NIV.

There are many wonderful things that have come from this ministry – and it really is a ministry. The intentionality to pray together. The community that has been built because we are scattered so far and wide around the world. The way it has knit us together to come before the Lord – for each other. And we will never know all the ways the Lord has used this unified prayer time for His glory and His purpose. Some of it eternally.

I encourage you to find your people, your tribe, your community, your family and pray together. Intentionally. Consistently. Diligently. Be the “Jana” in your group who pulls it together – and keeps it together. The Lord will be glorified and you will be a blessing and also be blessed.