Note: We will be taking a summer pause due to travel schedules and other plans. We may conduct a couple of outreaches over the summer though look to resume regular outreaches this fall.

Photo: On Saturday, May 9, 2026, members of Gathered in His Name Intercessory Prayer and Outreach ministry prayed with passersby from where they sat at Union Station in Washington, D.C., and the Holy Spirit indeed moved. (From L-R: Crystal, Andrea, Titi, Adelaide and Nicole)

I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him. -Psalm 40:1-3, NIV

For our May 9, 2026 Gathered in His Name intercessory prayer and outreach, it was on our hearts to pray for people at Union Station in Washington, D.C. It was an opportunity to engage with people coming and going unsure what life circumstances they were running to, running away from or battling in the midst of. Like previous outreaches, the Holy Spirit prepared in advance who He wanted us to engage with that morning. Participating in this prayer outreach was Adelaide, Andrea, Crystal, Nicole and Titi. We made our way from the main entrance to snag a table outside the CAVA restaurant to have our time of devotional and prayer. The table was situated along the path of people entering or exiting near the metro exit, so very accessible foot traffic. Looking back, it was very strategic positioning although we cannot take credit for it. We were seeking seating to accommodate the five of us and it was the Holy Spirit who placed us exactly where we needed to be.

The Photo Invitation

After sharing on scriptures (Nicole) on Jesus’ hope, comfort and peace from Philippians 4:7 and John 14:27, and how people need such peace, hope and comfort, we each transparently shared on experiencing weariness at times and how God meets us in and understands our weariness. It was then that Nicole thought of taking a photo of the group when a young lady with beautiful, long dark curly hair kindly offered to take our photo. Her name was *Tiffany. She immediately noted the words of our purple t-shirts displaying the ministry name (Gathered in His Name) and she said, “Where two or three are gathered…” We all perked up and smiled hearing the reference and Andrea engaged her in conversation identifying Tiffany as a follower of Jesus Christ. We were elated! Here was our first person for that morning. After she took our photo, we asked if she’d like us to pray for her, which she gladly accepted the invitation for prayer. Each of us prayed for her and her requests for provision and for her future. As we finished, she then prayed for us!! Such a beautiful gesture from this young lady! We welcomed her prayer and the generosity of her time since she was in a train station and was likely heading somewhere. We spoke about the “divine timing” of our meeting. In a remarkable moment of confirmation, she shared that she has a tattoo that says, “Divine Timing.”

Inside Union Station near eateries.

Testimony of the Refiner’s Fire

 Shortly after Tiffany left, our second divine appointment was arriving. Nicole spotted a tall African American man wearing a cross necklace and he turned and noticed us. Our purple t-shirts with its engaging logo design and “How may we pray for you?” invitation visibly sets us apart and allows people to identify us as a source for prayer. The man was drawn to come near to our table and inquire about our prayer ministry. This greatly delighted us! His name was *Edward. Edward, a retired Army veteran experiencing housing insecurity, transparently shared with us his situation and how he had been with the Lord at church earlier that morning, praying with joy and seeking Him. He shared a powerful testimony of enduring trials that closely mirrored the life of Joseph—marked by injustice, perseverance and unwavering faith. He acknowledged God’s presence through every trial. While most would want these trials and the discomfort to end immediately, he knows that fruit will be born from this and he does not want to rush deliverance. Rather than seeking a quick escape, he has chosen to be patient in the process, trusting God to bring him forth in His perfect timing like gold refined in fire. We confirmed that God sees him (El Roi), sees his tears and will fight for him if only he be still (Exodus 14:14). We each prayed over Edward in awe by his peace displayed and his profound testimony which lifted us! As Edward bid farewell to us, we sat stunned and rejoiced once again at the Holy Spirit’s intentionality. God indeed goes before us.

We prayed Psalm 40 together, celebrating how God lifts us from the pit and places a new song in our mouths.

*Terrence and Beverly

Our third and last encounter that morning was a young African American man named Terrence. Terrence walked by our table and stopped to speak with us. While we could sense that he may have a financial need, we asked him how we could pray for him. Rather than asking something for himself, he immediately asked prayer for healing and relief for his mother, Beverly, from diabetic neuropathy. We prayed for her, prayed for their protection, and provided a small monetary gift.

We concluded by reading 1 Peter 4:14–19, reflecting on:

• The redemptive purpose of suffering
• The sanctification that emerges through trials
• The call to entrust our souls to a faithful Creator while continuing to do good

 *Names changed to protect privacy.

What We Have Come to Understand

Since the launch of Gathered in His Name in April 2025 to these first five months of 2026, we have conducted several prayer outreaches within the Greater Washington, D.C. area. In doing so, a clear theme has emerged across this ministry: This is a calling of faithful presence without a predetermined plan. We simply show up in obedience, trusting the Holy Spirit to orchestrate every encounter.

In doing so, we have discovered something else: We are often the ones being poured into and encouraged by the very people we set out to pray for. Each step reveals divine orchestration—intentional, precise, and grace-filled. It is a privilege to witness and participate in this unfolding work.

We also understand:

1. This is God’s ministry—not ours.

• He goes before us
• He prepares the people
• He ordains the encounters

This leads to a foundational truth:

God orchestrates — We respond.

We are not initiating. We are stepping into what He has already prepared.

2. Show Up to Be Used

Our role is simple:

Show up available to be used.

We come without a fixed plan, fully surrendered.

Even the smallest action—like asking for a photo—becomes:

• An entry point
• An icebreaker
• A doorway into ministry

What seems ordinary becomes powerful when placed in God’s hands.

3. Extend an Invitation, Not an Imposition

We are not called to force—we are called to invite. At the center of this ministry is a simple, powerful question:

“How may we pray for you?”

We have seen repeatedly the response:

“Can you please pray for me?”

This reveals something profound:

People are waiting to be asked.

Final Realization

What we are experiencing is deeper than a method:

• God starts simply
• God moves relationally
• God confirms personally
• God draws people gently

And through it all, one truth remains:

When we show up surrendered, God is faithful to move.

It is an understatement to say that God has moved through us and throughout this ministry. He has orchestrated every step, every divine encounter, every divine appointment!! Missed buses, to metro delays were of no consequence, no obstacle for God! He got us where we needed to be exactly when we each needed to be there. He also prepared and positioned the people who He purposed for us to engage in prayer for HIS GLORY!

We are so grateful to co-labor with the Lord for His Kingdom purposes! We hope that by reading such Holy Spirit-led encounters it encourages you to trust God, to place your plans in His hands and watch Him work!

God bless you!

-Andrea and Nicole