Articles & Devotionals
A Day of Prayer
Dear Concord Family,
As we are apart this week I would like for us to be joined together in some spiritual thoughts. So beginning today and every other day I will send out some Scriptures and spiritual meditations for us to study and reflect on.
Today I would like to begin with thoughts on prayer. Our President declared today, Sunday, March 15, to be a National Day of Prayer. He reminded the entire country that throughout its history, the United States has looked to God for strength and protection in times like these. Prayer is our way to talk with our Creator and Father. It is the way in which we can influence the will of God and the power of our prayers should never be underestimated. (remember Moses – Exodus 32:11-14)
James 5:16b-17 ESV
“... The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. (17) Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth.”
If Elijah was just like us and he prevented rain for 3 ½ years then what might our prayers do with something like the COVID-19. Let’s don’t think any less of our ability to influence our Father who lovingly desires to hear from us as His children. With this in mind I’m asking everyone to join me in praying throughout the day for this pandemic. Gather your family together often and pray that God will work powerfully in this crisis. See the schedule below.
9am – Pray for those who are gripped with fear and anxiety in this time of crisis. Ask God to give us all a greater measure of faith and hope in Him.
11am – Pray for wisdom and that the actions we have taken will slow/decrease the spread of this virus and that God will provide a cure for it or a way through this uncertain time according to His will.
1pm – Give praise and thanksgiving in your prayers –we have this avenue of prayer only because God sent His only Son to live, die and rise from the dead for us so that we can have forgiveness of our sins and have a deep loving relationship with our Father. Give thanks that no virus can ever take this blessing from us.
3pm – Pray for our congregation – that our spiritual family will remain safe, that our focus can be on spiritual things, that this time apart will remind us of the privilege and joy of worshipping together and that we may be given opportunities to help others.
5pm – Pray for our community – pray that those with weakened immune systems will not come in contact with the virus, that this crisis will bring out the best in people, and that more people will be receptive and looking to God during this time.
7pm – Pray for those in leadership, pray for our President, our Governor, Health leaders, School Superintendents, and leaders the around the world that they will seek wisdom and that God will give them wisdom. Pray that they will weather the storm as many cast insults at them for their decisions during this crisis.
9pm - Pray that we may let our light shine, that we will be selfless people who can show Concord where our hope is anchored, and that we all will choose joy instead of fear because we serve a Risen King!
Thank you for praying with me. I will close these thoughts with a Psalm.
Psalm 61:1-8 ESV
Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; (2) from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, (3) for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. (4) Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah (5) For you, O God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. (6) Prolong the life of the king; may his years endure to all generations! (7) May he be enthroned forever before God; appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him! (8) So will I ever sing praises to your name, as I perform my vows day after day.
In God’s love,
Adam
