Reflections from a Cold Thursday Night
It was one of the first truly crisp nights of the fall — dark earlier than usual, the air carrying that unmistakable bite that warns of winter’s approach.
We lit the fire pit for the first time this season, thankful for its warmth as we unpacked the cups and cookies. There was a quiet apprehension in the air — the kind that comes when you know colder days are near, and not everyone will have shelter from them.
But even as the night grew colder, the conversations grew warmer.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
— Philippians 4:6 (ESV)
A Night Filled With Prayer
The tables were full, and so were the hearts. It seemed as if everyone who came carried a burden worth lifting.
Sean asked for prayer for his aunt, who is battling serious health problems. We prayed for her healing and for peace for Sean as he supports her through it.
Mike, who has been faithfully helping since January, spoke again about his struggle with cancer and his difficulty accessing the care he needs. We prayed for open doors and for the kind of strength that only God can provide.
Kevin came by, weary and honest about his ongoing battle with alcohol as the cold season approaches. He asked for prayer for himself and his mother, Mary — and we lifted them both up, trusting that God can bring restoration where we can’t.
And then there’s Popcorn in Welland — the one who greets everyone with a smile and looks out for the needy even while struggling with his own health. We prayed that God would strengthen him, body and spirit.
We also prayed for Nick, who sent a message from prison through someone attending the Welland table asking for prayer, and Jordan, who continues to face addiction and deep personal battles.
Each story, each name, each prayer reminded us again: this ministry isn’t just about food or warmth. It’s about hope.
“The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
— James 5:16 (ESV)
A Spiritual Battle
As the night went on, we faced one of the more difficult moments we’ve ever had at the table.
A woman arrived in visible distress — restless, loud, and deeply agitated. Her words came in waves of confusion and anger, and soon her presence began to unsettle the peace we had prayed for.
It wasn’t ordinary disruption. It felt darker — a heaviness that filled the air and weighed on every conversation.
There was a sense of something spiritual about it, something not of light.
Even as voices rose and tension spread, the volunteers began to pray quietly, others under their breath. In a light moment, our Chief Hotdog Officer (We love this man!) tried to calm her by singing “O Canada” while she was berating a fellow guest. We prayed for peace, for protection, and for deliverance.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness.”
— Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)
The woman’s turmoil only grew worse as the night went on, and though it was difficult, we stood together — praying, staying calm, keeping the atmosphere grounded in grace.
And through it all, God’s presence never left. His peace didn’t vanish; it simply moved deeper into the hearts of those praying.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
— John 1:5 (ESV)
That night reminded us: the table isn’t just a place of comfort — it’s a place of spiritual warfare.
Where light shines, darkness resists. But God remains victorious.
Praying for Protection
Every week we pray for safety — for calm hearts, wise words, and God’s hand over our guests and volunteers.
The truth is, what we do isn’t always easy. We meet people in the middle of their storms. But somehow, even when things shake, we are held steady.
“The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.”
— Psalm 121:7 (ESV)
A Final Word
The coffee warms the hands.
The food fills the stomach.
But prayer warms the heart — and protects the soul.
Prayer turns chaos into calm, fear into faith, and confusion into compassion.
This week reminded us that prayer is not just part of the ministry — it is the ministry. It’s how we fight battles we can’t see and find peace in moments that should shake us.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:18 (ESV)
So we keep praying — for Sean’s aunt, for Mike, for Kevin and Mary, for Popcorn, for Nick, for Jordan, and for every guest who finds their way to the table.
We pray for continued safety, for unity, for courage, and for the Holy Spirit to rest over every conversation.
Because when we gather around that fire, with the cold pressing in and the night stretching long, we know one thing for sure: the light of Christ still burns brighter.
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
— Romans 12:12 (ESV)
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