**Posted 15 years ago…but still for today! I remember this encounter with Jesus like it was yesterday:

On the Fourth of July, as my church joined many others to pray for our country, I found myself praying a prayer that I had been praying for the last few months. “May I have Your Heart, Lord.” I had been praying this prayer because I know that it is only through the Heart of Love that I can pray as I should.

I prayed that morning that I would feel what He(Jesus) felt as He looked at our country…that I would know His Heart. Well, Jesus answered my prayer as I sat in the front pew after taking communion. As I sat in the pew and watched my fellow brothers and sisters file past me, I knew that the Lord had His Hand upon me. I couldn’t get up from my seat. I knew that “something” was coming.

Usually, when church is over, I hop out of my seat and begin speaking to my friends and visitors. I don’t know what went through their minds as they may have noticed Tina still sitting in the front row, alternately staring into space and closing her eyes in prayer. Even then, I could feel a sadness begin to overtake me…tears very slowly began to trail down my face.

The Lord held back until the church was almost empty…and then it came. A deep sadness overtook me and I found myself weeping with deep heaving sobs. This type of deep intercession has happened to me a few times in the past. Some people call it “travailing.” One place that speaks of this kind of intercession is in Galatians 4:19 where Paul is talking to the Galatians: My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you. I believe that God is in a time of “birthing” or releasing new things upon the earth. He is looking for those that will partner with Him to be His “vessels” of birthing. It is not the kind of intercession that can be “worked up.” I believe it is the Holy Spirit praying through us.

So, Jesus answered my prayer. I felt His Heart, I knew His sadness as He looks upon our nation and sees those things that go against His Heart for us… But, He didn’t stop there. I began interceding for not only our nation, but for the world, for Israel and for my church. Oh, my brothers and sisters! I believe that the Lord is looking for those that would be willing to ask for His Heart…that would be willing to be used as His vessels of intercession now upon this earth. Do not take it lightly! His Heart is not an easy thing to carry.

Ever since He answered my prayer, I find myself at times being “caught up” in His Heart. I look at others and the love I feel for them is so much deeper than it has been in the past. I thought I loved them…but I realize now that the kind of love that God wants us to walk in is not something we are capable of. It is only through allowing the Love of God to flow through us that we can truly love.

We are called to be the Body of Christ on this earth. I pray continuously for the Lord to let me be His Hands, His Feet and His Mouth as I walk out my destiny and calling. But, recently I have added to that request…..Lord, let me be Your Heart. I have come to the realization that no matter what He has me do…no matter what He has me say…it MUST be covered and infused with His Love, His Heart.

Beloved of God, will you join me today and ask for the Heart of Jesus? He is calling His Bride to Himself…He wants to join His Heart to ours. Are you willing…