21 Days of Prayer: A Note from Our Senior Pastor

This begins a journey for us over the next 21 days. In response to the challenges in our world right now, I am encouraging us all to move toward a deeper level of trust and dependence on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

We did not plan for this 21-day journey; it simply came from a personal burden—and, I believe, a nudge from the Holy Spirit—for me to lead us to the throne of God in prayer. It is easy to find ourselves in places of fear, worry, anxiety, anger, and frustration, which only pull us away from seeking all the Lord has for us to learn in this season. There is not yet a road map comprised for the path each day will take. What I do know is we will learn from praying the prayers of others. We will be reminded each day of a truth from Scripture we can hang onto. We will end up walking more aware of the need to pray in all seasons and all occasions. These next 21 days will shape us and transform us. Soften us. Tenderize our hearts. Focus our minds on what is right and true. Entrust the cares of this world to the one who holds all things together. And maybe, just maybe… we as a church community will worship more passionately, pray more purposefully and expectantly, love more deeply all our neighbors, and live more peacefully and quietly—confidently knowing Jesus is on the throne of every area of our lives.

For some, such times as these cause us to believe the end is near. And, maybe it is.

For some, such times as these cause us to see the world is getting darker. And, it is.
For some, such times as these cause us to politicize and get caught up in conspiracy theories. And, well—where will that lead you?
For some, such times as these cause us to listen more and more to our favorite news station. And, that will certainly give you an opinion.
For some, such times as these cause us to move toward quiet. To turn the news off. To turn the volume down. To be still and know God has much to say to us.

Last weekend Tami and I were in the mountains of Colorado. We had very little internet service. We didn’t reach for the news. We simply enjoyed the beauty and majesty of the mountains and the amazing beauty we woke up to each day. Quiet. Lots of laughter. Wonderful reminders of God’s grace.

Over the next 21 days, can I encourage you to find a way to fast a bit from the news? Maybe even look for a way to escape the “Digital Babylon” we are taken to each day through all our technology and focus on stilling your heart and mind. Allow the Holy Spirit to create a sense of calm assurance within you. Find a way each day to be quiet. To read the prayer and Scripture you will receive. To allow truth to begin to transform your prayers and your heart as we journey together.

Psalm 121
A song of ascents.

¹ I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
² My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

³ He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵ The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
⁶ the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

⁷ The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
⁸ the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.