Valley Gate
The valley gate metaphorically represents two areas of spiritual growth.
One area is learning to humble ourselves, and the other is standing firm in our faith through the trials we encounter in life.
Think of the valley-type experiences (sickness, the loss of a loved one, betrayal, rejection, financial burdens, disappointments...) that are used by the Lord for our personal growth. Romans 8:28 reminds us that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. Many people leave discouraged, tired, and offended when they get to the Valley Gate. He wants to change us in the middle of our valley. Not much grows on the mountaintops here on earth, but the ground in the valley is fertile to produce much fruit. This is true for our spiritual life as well.
Valley of Trials and Testing:
James 1:2-4 (MSG)
2 Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. 3 You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. 4 So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work, so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.
Pray that we will freely and quickly forgive those who offend and hurt us.
Pray that we will pause in the valleys of our lives to seek the Lord and allow Him to direct our path.
Pray for strength and discipline to persevere and not step out of anything prematurely. James 1:12 (HCSB) 12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
Pray for times of refreshing to come.
Valley of Despair:
Romans 5:3-6 (HCSB)
3 And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. 5 This hope does not disappoint, because God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Pray for those who are in the valley of despair, discouragement, or disappointment.
Pray that in these valleys, we will allow our afflictions to produce endurance, which produces proven character, which produces hope. And this hope will not disappoint us.
Pray that we will rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; and be persistent in prayer. Romans 12:12 (HCSB)
Valley of Isolation or Loneliness:
1 Peter 5:5-7 (HCSB)
5 Likewise, you younger men, be subject to the elders. And all of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, because He cares about you.
Pray that pride will not cause anyone to be in isolation if they are currently walking in a valley.
Pray that we would ask for help and allow others to carry our burdens with us.
Pray for our life groups, that many will join and find family and community.
Valley of Decisions:
Proverbs 4:5 (HCSB)
5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.
Psalms 25:4 (HCSB)
4 Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths.
Pray for those walking through a valley of decisions. Pray that they will hear a word from the Lord for direction.
As you seek direction for difficult decisions, “6 Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (HCSB)