Recently I returned from a fun-filled 4 days in Phoenix with 2 friends I met decades ago. Sue, Gaye, and I began our three-way-friendship in a school parking lot as moms of same-age sons and daughters. But our kids weren’t our strongest bond, because almost immediately we learned we were also sisters-in-Christ.

As friendships grew, we began meeting to pray regularly for our children, supporting each other through thick and thin. Over time the kids grew up and left home – and so did we. Sue and Don moved to Colorado, Gaye and Bob to Arizona, and Nate and I to Michigan. Though the three of us continued praying long distance, visits became rare.

A week ago, though, after a decade of separation, we finally got together again, this time in Phoenix. The highlight for all of us was as it always had been – a group prayer time.

Our 3 families that originally numbered 18 have become 52, so there was lots to cover. But God listened just as carefully as he always had, and we have confidence that he’s still a God of action. Though some of our requests haven’t yet been answered despite years of prayer, we were able to share praise reports with him, too.

One of my favorite parts about praying aloud with friends is being able to listen in on someone else’s conversation with God – about our loved ones. This is especially encouraging in relation to those long-term requests.

When a new voice tackles an old issue, the words come alive with fresh meaning. A sister-in-Christ might pray different scriptural promises over a stagnant situation, asking God to move in ways her friends might not have thought to ask. And as she pours her heart out about one of “ours,” it’s an affirmation of girlfriend-love.

Although prayer isn’t tangible, it is eternal. After all, it’s just conversation with the Lord. Also, since Scripture says Jesus prays for us (Luke 22:32) and the Holy Spirit is interpreting our prayers for God (Romans 8:26), it’s likely that the citizens of paradise are continuing in prayer, too. Unlike us, though, their requests go directly to a visible God.

I believe my husband Nate and sister Mary are talking to Jesus about those of us still on earth, requesting glorious blessings from the God who never runs out of them. (Deuteronomy 28:12)

After 4 days together, Sue, Gaye, and I came too quickly to our goodbyes, but it wasn’t sad. That’s because we’ll still be praying over the same requests, figuratively meeting in God’s throne room “together.” And no matter the miles between us, that will always be true.

“In every situation…. present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)