It’s always good to look up.
For April, Pakistan is in our prayers. Open Doors invites us to pray for
- the government to pass laws to protect Christians,
- for the protection of converts with a Muslim background, (especially in a time when people are being asked to stay at home, from family, neighbors, friends, and Islamic groups),
- and lastly for the Christians accused of blasphemy laws, that they be edified with supernatural strength and hope. The request is that justice will prevail.
My friends have such mixed reactions to this current COVID-19 crisis, and there is an undercurrent of overwhelm in all of them. I am so grateful to love people who know Him well and to see and pray for those that don’t know Him at all. The human fears of needing to walk through shadows crop up in us all because we all need Jesus. My prayer tonight is for those in Pakistan, specifically those I love far and near that I’ve talked this week and the ones they mentioned, and especially for Sandy, my dear godmother who has COPD.
Jesus there are so many of us, when reaching out to fellowship are having to use an electronic device instead of hold a hand or read a face. We praise You for the technology that allows us to see each other and for churches striving to bring people together as much as possible through prayer and services. We ask for a hedge of protection around the specifics in technology that keep those things working properly, for encouragement for all involved and for safety for all still working. We ask for that same power over all the nurses, doctors, and staff, as well as home care providers. Fill them with Your strength and hope. We thank You for walking the path for us and before us.
For the overwhelm Lord, grant Your true peace, grant wholeness, shalom.
When our flesh reaction is to freeze, coax us gently forward because You always go forth.
When we run too hard or get too busy, lost in all the tasks at once, draw us back to the still waters and pastures You sing out in Psalm 23.
When we don’t stop to think or pray because apathy seems the only answer and we cannot face the pain or truth, as we walk not seeing it is You on the path after all, by Your spirit, burn in our hearts until we are ready to admit what is true and let it trickle in before the breakthrough.
When we are tempted to blame and judge any of these things we hate in ourselves, bring us back to a place of contentment that You did not die for those that have it together but for the sick. Especially now, with sickness in the limelight, use it draw out comfort in truth You are here to be with us in this.
For the persecuted church Lord, especially for Pakistan, we ask for protection against the violence. When faced with hatred, may Your angels be there and give them vision like You did for Stephen and may they be transported to another realm. If any are sick and without care, we ask for this same mercy Lord.
You are a God of mercy. Have mercy on my godmother and spare her of this virus. Give her some more time now and a peaceful death later. Grant we can fellowship more this summer. For all those thinking these thoughts, praying these prayers for loved ones, grant us all trust in You and mercy. You are waiting to come back for Your mercy. I beg You to do the same on her account and for the love of all that feel this way.
Pour out Your mercy in Pakistan, and all over the world. Especially work in the government there and see that laws are passed now that increase justice, as promised in Isaiah 45 and the sweet cadence of Martin Luther King Jr sings out may, “justice rain down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.” Your kingdom come, Your will be done O, Lord. Amen
ForG-d 