In addition to what is transpiring in our nation this week, I have just been heartbroken to learn what friends are encountering due to hatred and division.
I can’t help but continually ask, Lord, what do we do?
The word that has been impressed upon my heart repeatedly is PRAY.
Sure, that may seem obvious. But have you noticed that in the hustle and bustle of life, we often see prayer as a box to check or even as the same few lines to repeat when we remember? The thing is that prayer is so much more and that’s what makes it incredibly powerful. Praying is having a conversation with our Father as Jesus demonstrated in the Gospels.
1 Timothy 2:1-3 (MSG) states, “The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live.”
These verses help us understand that praying is of primary concern, in which we need to share our requests, intercede, give thanks, and pray for all of humanity. We need to pray for those in authority so they will do what is right and we can lead our lives in peace. Ultimately, having this lifestyle of prayer is what is good and acceptable to our Lord.
The Bible is filled with examples of hearts interceding in prayer that led to a breakthrough. Prayer is about coming before the Lord in humility, setting aside time to just be with Him, to be still to hear from Him, expressing our gratitude, and crying out with our burdens. Friends, as the body of Christ this is what is required of each of us for the spirit of darkness to flee and for the love of God to prevail in each and every heart.
This verse has become quite familiar in 2020 but I don’t think it can be repeated enough: “… if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV)
A song I learned in childhood says it best:
“Jesus now more than ever
We are sailing in stormy weather
All His children should get together
For we need Jesus now more than ever”
~Joyce
Photo Credit: Ben White on Unsplash
