The Nations

Probably a month ago now I sat under a man who was teaching on Colossians 1:9-14.  He discussed how Paul's prayer life was essential in his ministry & pleasing to the Lord- and how we also need to follow in the example given to us by Paul in the same way.  He was very compelling on the urgency and importance of our prayers for our brothers and sisters in Christ; Specifically those among the nations.  He openly asked the attendees of this small group if they were actively praying for the nations and if so, how? A few people gave their methods of prayers to the group. One person shared how they pick a nation each time they are praying- and pray specifically for the Christians living there. Another person suggested to the group that you could use a method of prayer...starting with the broad and narrowing to personal specifics.  In that sense nothing would be left out of his/her prayers at a global level to the most intimate personal level. 

These were just two thoughts- I am sure there were more, I cannot remember exactly now what the others were.

At the time of this discussion- I was living close to Massachusetts Avenue where many of the Embassy's stand. I have biked this road a dozen times and many times have felt an inclination to pray for these beautiful homes...or I should say the people who inhabit them and in a deeper sense...the people they are here representing. It has been one of the neatest experiences of truly praying for the nations.  As I pass by each nation- often represented by its national emblem/flag I am burdened in my heart to pray for this specific group of people. I find it curiously interesting how the Lord will lay certain people/places on our hearts for specific purposes- all to do with His ultimate glory and plan...especially when we have no idea why? and thus have to hold tight to our faith in grace and trust in his sovereignty of all things.

Greg Gilbert, the leader/teacher of the evening quoted a few lines from John Stott's book Basic Chritianity. 

"The Christian life is not just our own private affair.  If we have been born again into God's family, not only has he become our Father but every other Christian believer in the world, whatever his nation or denomination, has become our brother or sister in Christ."

So good- and so very true. I sometimes get overwhelmed thinking about praying for Toni (&Ben of course) and Judson- wow. Talk about a load of prayers that must/should be offered up. I guess that is why scripture commands us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to pray without ceasing!

I write this all now- because I received this email today from Samaritan's Purse and have enclosed the link to update you on what is happening in Sudan (I am sure many of you are already aware).  It is by God's grace alone that SP has been able to keep staff- and volunteers there at this time. Pray, however, specifically for the citizens of Sudan who know Jesus Christ- that they would be bold and strong and filled with the Spirit of truth to lead one another in truth & grace- and that they would be filled with an overwhelming peace that their God is still truly in control. 

Darfur- SP link

"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.  The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."

James 5:16