Prayer is an invitation to have a first-hand encounter with God. It is a petition for spiritual clarity, prosperity, good health and more.
Whether big or small, the prayers of a righteous man — or teen — availeth much.
It is a desire to intercede on behalf of others that inspired 16-year-old Nevaeh Helms to set up camp on the side of Highway 27 in Coosa with the intent of praying for passersby.
Helms organized teens from her church, Lakeview Baptist Church, and put together a prayer stand to pray for members of the community.
“Our youth group is really spiritual and one night I was laying in bed and the idea just came to me,” Helms said. “We really wanted to do something for the community and take time to pray for them.”
Every Wednesday for an hour between 5 and 6 p.m. and every first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon the youth offer up fervent intercessions for those who stop by in an effort to bring peace, clarity and inspiration.
The enthusiasm of the young people is both inspiring and refreshing for the group’s youth leader Darla Royer.
For three weeks now, the group has assembled in a prime location next to the busy thoroughfare in front of the church at 80 Salem Road, ready and willing to offer supplication for those looking for someone to stand in the gap on their behalf.
“They have been out here every single time, even in the pouring rain,” Royer said. “They have been so dedicated and they’ve done all the work to set this up. My prayers is that our community is touched with the heart of Jesus.”
With boldness and positive energy Helms and a team of young people offer smiles and move purposefully in their work.
The prayer for their roadside stand is simple.
“We want to lead others to Christ,” said Gabby Rucker, a young participant.