First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2:1–4 (ESV)
During the many and often tragic moments
in our nation’s history, we have learned to be ever grateful for America’s first responders. Those men and women who are ready at a moment’s notice to help. They are trained, equipped, and ever-ready to step up and step in when the bell rings or the call comes. For all of those with such a calling may we ever be grateful.
My hope is that we who are followers of Jesus will take inspiration from their example and follow their lead. We too are called to a first response in times of need. I believe that our first response must be to pray. Our nation, by no exaggeration, is in a time of crisis. A crisis of trust, a crisis of purpose, a crisis of division, a crisis of hope. Each of us will decide if and how we respond. Will we do unto others as they do unto us? Will we shout our opinions from the rooftop or the laptop? Will we return evil for evil? Will we join the fray or will we dare to pray?
What would it look like if Christians responded like Jesus? It’s not that hard to see. Surely, we would begin with prayer. Over and over in scripture, we see our Lord heading to the mountain to pray. Even on the eve of His betrayal, He spends time on his knees crying out to the Father.
I’m asking you to join me in prayer for our families, our church, our community, and our nation. It is where we step up and step in, not in our strength and wisdom but in God’s. Prayer is not our last resort, it is our first response.
I’m inviting you to join me this Thursday, January 14, for a day of prayer and fasting. A day to deliberately seek the Lord, asking Him to do what only He can do. As a church, we join together with many churches and thousands of Christian across New England for this holy day. Please make this day a priority and let’s see what God will do when his people pray!
Always, only Jesus!
Pastor Kevin