End-of-week lethargy

After a week of practice, exhaustion finally set in and we found ourselves rather lethargic in the morning, despite starting an hour later than usual. Having sung those songs over and over again, as we attempted to fine-tune them, was probably one of the reasons for our lethargy. For some of us, we might add in the factor of late nights spent watching DVDs (though sometimes it could involve more serious stuff like theological discussions!).

But after lunch, the Lord was gracious to us, for the break was a helpful rest. And more importantly, we were somehow reminded in our hearts of our purpose in Japan (Lu brought that up in an attempt to encourage us, but it takes God to drive it into us). We were unconsciously treating our practices as some kind of mundane exercise for the sake of perfecting a performance, rather than treating it as an immense privilege of being able to sing praises to Him all day, as we prepare to share with the kids and parents this indescribable joy of knowing our Lord and Saviour. So, having recovered the right attitude, we did reasonably well when we ran through all the songs once.

Now, we're looking forward to tomorrow's service, which will be at Yotsukaido, where we would be given the opportunity to sing one of the adults' songs that we've been practising, most likely 'Thank You for Saving Me'.

So, the prayer requests:

1. Thank God for providing so abundantly in the week that has passed, from ideas and energy to meals and laughter.
2. Pray that we'll continue to do everything for His glory and that our time here will be a pleasant offering to Him.
3. Pray for a restful weekend and off-day (Monday) so that we'd have energy to teach, play with, love and minister to the kids at Yotsukaido next week.
4. Pray that our Sunday at Yotsukaido will be an encouraging one, both for our brothers and sisters there, and for ourselves.
5. Pray that the language barrier will not prevent us from participating spiritually in the service tomorrow.