Prayer In The Time of Change
We find ourselves in a unique situation. We are being told to social distance ourselves and for many that may bring about discouragement as we often crave contact. During a season of change, isolation, and even suffering I want to encourage you to look at this through the lens of the Gospel. The Father loves you. Jesus said at the end of Matthew 28:20, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
In the midst of these changes we may find ourselves with new opportunities for ministry. A ministry that looks a little different than normal. Romans 12:12-13 seems to be a fitting passage for such a time as this.
12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
First it says, “rejoice in hope.” This is fitting as we’ve talked about this at GraceLife the last couple weeks, the Gospel produces joy. Believe that Jesus died, rose again, and your sins are forgiven. This will cause joy to stir in you. In the midst of this time of tribulation be patient, this is a fruit of the Spirit and can only be grown because of grace. Joy and patience in the midst of suffering? Only grace can do that in us.
Next we have two ministry opportunities, neither of which are new but maybe in light of the circumstances they take a new look in our lives.
Here’s the first ministry opportunity; be constant in prayer. This is a time where we may not be able to serve in the ways we’re used to. Maybe we normally teach in Kid’s ministry, greet, or serve in hospitality. How can we serve in different ways? Pray.
The second is to serve the saints and seek to show hospitality. This may look a little different than normal as well. For the time being it may mean mostly reaching out via the phone. Look for ways you can encourage someone with the Gospel. Remind them of the promises of God. Tie this in with prayer, as you’re reaching out to the saints ask how you can be praying for them.
At our Sunday gathering this past week (03/15/20) I shared this tweet from Dustin Benge (@DustinBenge)
7 things to pray for in a coronavirus age:
1. Calm assurance in God's sovereignty.
2. Dispelling of fear and worry.
3. Opportunities to serve neighbors.
4. Wisdom in decision making.
5. Global gospel advance.
6. Willingness to follow instructions.
7. Healing for those affected.
Use this unique season we’re in to dig deep Gospel roots. Pray and serve as you are able.
In closing, here’s a couple verses that were shared at GraceLife Sunday to encourage.
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:113 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Romans 5:3-5