PRAYER'S PLACE

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

“Prayer is the place where suffering and compassion meet.”

- Joe Nicosia

As we witness the tragedy in Las Vegas knowing many of us are 1000+ miles away it is easy to seem a little helpless. 

But we are not hopeless. 

Don’t underestimate your prayers for those impacted, damaged, and hurt by the incomprehensible actions of another.…The earnest prayer of a righteous man (woman) has great power and wonderful results. James 5:16 (ESV)

My good friend of mine J.R. penned a beautiful lyric a few years back that carried a NEEDED message saying that…“You (GOD) guide me through that place where joy and sorrow meet.”

And that place is often found in a time of prayer; that place where GOD resides and GOD intercedes.

Lovely thought huh?

Friends, we are called to share our compassion. 

We are, as we are able, to pray. 

Constantly. 1 Thessalonians 5

Our President called for prayers of compassion, comfort, and peace in the face of the tragedy and it doesn’t matter where your politics lie, that must be our response.

Is anyone among you suffering?

...pray James 5:13 (ESV)

And while our intense news cycle and our opportunities for up to the second information are centered on Vegas today, and while we must stay vigilant in prayer for those whose lives have inexplicably and unexpectedly changed, are there friends near you in crisis?

Pray for them too.

Is someone suffering in the cube next to you at work? 

Maybe the demeanor of that friend in class has been heavy for some time now. 

Have you noticed?

Is it time to exercise a little compassion in the way of their suffering? 

Is it time to bring joy to the sorrow for them; knowing that the JOY of the LORD is strength?

Is it time to pray?

GOD does guide us through in times of suffering, whether personal or when we intercede for another many miles away via prayer. Just expressing our hearts to him, those hurts to him, the needs of others to him He is faithful to listen and respond!

Give (the) burdens to the Lord.

He will carry them… Psalm 55:22 (ESV)

So, take a minute today to open your heart of compassion. 

Don’t let the distance determine your diligence.

Don’t hesitate!

Minister.  

Bring compassion you can to the suffering and joy to the sorrow.

...Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

Remembering…

You are never more like Jesus than when you pray for others. Pray for this hurting world. - Max Lucado

 I love you all!

OPPORTUNITIES for HOPE