This worship segment can be used with music. Have the congregation sing, “Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying” after each prayer. You may want to have each actor sit on a stool. The actors can be dressed in clothes that reflect the character they are portraying. Costuming should be simple, though. Allow there to be some mystery about who these folks are!
Missionary Wife: Lord, it’s been so long since I’ve been home. Sometimes I just ache for my parents. I haven’t seen them in two years, Lord. There are so many needs here! The people are so hungry for the gospel! You remember, Lord, how I used to ask for things? Foolish things that are now lost and gone forever: my own car, tickets to a concert, a trip to the beach, plane tickets to see Jack when he was in college, and I was finishing my senior year in high school. You’ve taught me about needs. So, Lord, I ask You for money—not for me, not for my family. Lord, the clinic needs supplies. We need a computer, Lord, to keep up with our patients. We’ve waited for two years. I know there are needs everywhere. The International Mission Board has thousands of requests. I guess I’ve got my blinders on. I can only see what’s in front of me each day. I see bodies healed and doors opened. Lord, I pray that the people back home will understand their wealth and our need. Lord, they are faithful. I pray that despite controversy and financial crisis, You will cause people to see through Your eyes. Help them to see the needs, Lord. Help them to see.
(Chorus: “Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying”)
Inner-city Missionary: He’s only seven years old, yet Juan has seen more violence here, downtown, than most people in this country have seen in a lifetime. They’re just kids, Lord! They are surrounded by pimps, pushers, and drug addicts. Yet, Lord, today…today he hugged me and told me he had been thinking about what I said about how Jesus heals broken hearts, and that He loves in ways no one else can. He said he accepted You as his Savior last night before he went to bed. What can I do but praise You, Father? In the midst of this hopeless neighborhood, I see a wonderful and beautiful light! You are shining through: through the hate, the abuse, the violence, and the pain. I praise You, Father, and I praise those who have given so I could do what You’ve called me to do! Thank You, Father! Bless these dear people whom I could never meet in one lifetime. I pray that as they continue to give, they won’t get bogged down with the drudgery of giving. Let them see what a difference they’re making, just by giving weekly. Let them sense the victories I see daily as they slip their gifts in the plate as it’s passed. And, oh yeah, Lord, I pray You’ll give me many more days like today!
(Chorus: “Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying”)
BCM Director: Father, I can’t believe the pressure these students experience today! The Baptist Student Center is the only rest stop for some of them. Thank You for giving me the means to do what You’ve called me to do. I’ve only been here three weeks, and I’ve already seen relationships being built and prayers being answered. They call this the lost generation, but there is hope! Thank You, God!
Lord, Listen to Your Children
(Chorus: “Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying”)
Retiring Foreign Missionary: My last day, Lord. Thirty years in a foreign land that seems as much like home as Montgomery, Alabama. Thank You for the privilege of serving You in Thailand. You have always provided for us. The work has been hard, but You never said it was going to be easy. My greatest hope is that the foundation that has been laid will continue. There are so many mountains to conquer here. I pray You’ll keep the gates of entry open in this land, and that the churches across the Southern Baptist Convention will continue to give so more help will come. This old soldier is heading back to Alabama, but the war rages on.
(Chorus: “Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying”)