Invitation to Open Prayer

We live in turbulent times. The recent election has polarized communities and even families. Protests arise in city-centers. Pundits try to make sense of voter turnout and failed polls. And on a local level, everyone seems a little less comfortable and willing to make eye-contact. Where is the church in the midst of this? Where are God’s people called to be? Well on the one hand, we are riding the wave of emotions like everyone else – some of us are relieved, others are devastated; some feel vindicated, others feel betrayed. The church is in the world and called to participate in the political process. But…the church is not “of” the world – and our supreme hope is for a “city with foundations whose builder and architect is God.” So while we are inevitably caught up in the recent election, we are not carried away by it – and we’re certainly not sunk. We are citizens of a heavenly kingdom and “our life is now hidden with Christ in God.”

Prayer is one of the ways we “seek first the kingdom of God.” Prayer is a tool for grabbing hold of God’s promises and God’s purposes and re-calibrating our vision. Our hope is never in a political ideology or worldly ruler. We are members of a new administration and a new revolution. And our King is the only one who is eternal, worthy, glorious, and capable of turning this world up-side down – or right side up, depending on your perspective. Our King rules through service, wins through sacrifice, and exercises power by giving everything away. The search was already made for someone worthy to administrate God’s kingdom and “open the scrolls” – and only One candidate was found and given the mandate: the Lamb-Standing-Though-Slain. He is our Living Hope, Peace, and Sure Foundation. He is the One who unites us together and must be our focus.

So to that end, we offer this evening as an opportunity to come and re-calibrate your vision. The church sanctuary will be open from 5:00pm-9:00pm, prayer prompts will be on the screen, and you can come and go as you please. No one will be “leading” this service from up front. It’s simply a time to come, sit, pray, and lift your eyes to the kingdom of God. We also encourage you to prioritize prayer in your private life, and organically with friends and family. Pray often for healing and wisdom for our leaders. And take this opportunity to remember who you are – adopted children of the Eternal King – so you can be who you are – a family on mission together.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).

—Pastor Bobby

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