Surely the best way to move forward during difficult days is on our knees! One of the greatest blessings on earth for Christians is to be able to communicate with the God of heaven in prayer. There’s mercy and grace to be found at the throne of God (Heb. 4:14-16; 1 John 5:14-15). This coming Sunday (August 23), both of our services will especially be emphasizing prayer. Individually and congregationally, Christians ought to be known as people of prayer (Acts 2:42; Eph. 6:18-20). We’re never more like Jesus than when we depend upon our Father in prayer.
Here are some practical suggestions for prayer during these turbulent times –
- Remember to bless, thank and praise God for all He is and does.
- Pray about properly and wisely respecting biblical teaching concerning love for public worship and fellowship, love for neighbor and respect for the government and the law.
- Pray that our “Care Group Ministry” effectively lets members know that we care for and are there for each other.
- Pray for opportunities to teach the lost and to reach out to our community.
- Pray that Westside might be salt and light and reflect faith, hope and love in Christ to all.
- Pray for those on the “front line” – healthcare workers, firefighters and law enforcement – that they and their families be kept safe and healthy.
- Pray that anxiety, fear and panic not consume either the church of God or the nation.
- Pray for grocery store workers, delivery drivers, farmers and ranchers who help keep food on our tables.
- Pray for businesses and business leaders who are making decisions that impact employees and communities.
- Pray for local, state and federal government – that decisions are made that really are in the best interest of the people.
- Pray for our missionaries and for those who are students in our schools of preaching like Bear Valley and Memphis (Cody, Katy & family).
- Pray for those who are more vulnerable to COVID-19 like the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.
- Pray for those who are poor and the homeless. These times are especially hard on them.
- Pray for families that are dealing with a constant state of flux with school, day care and work-related issues.
- Pray for those in need of medical care, therapy and treatment now indefinitely postponed due to the pandemic.
- Pray for those who are widows, widowers or “single again.” They may feel especially isolated and lonely.
- Pray that Christian parents better and more wisely model Jesus in their marriage, their family and in relating to others. It might just be the most important lesson they ever teach!
- Pray for elders and preachers who have been hard at work helping churches during these times by providing much-needed encouragement, wisdom and strength in the Lord.
If the prayer of a righteous person “has great power” (James 5:16), imagine the power of an entire congregation engaging in prayer. And multiply that by hundreds or even thousands as Christians everywhere unite in prayer to a God who does exceedingly abundantly above all “we ask or think!” (Ephesians 3:20-21).
Mike Vestal
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