Pray for Peace
As we follow what’s going on in Israel and Gaza, it can easily leave us feeling helpless. What can we do except passively watch events unfold? But remember what we discovered last week. We can still pray and with that we can change the world.
Psalm 122 says, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:’ May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels’” (Ps 122:6-7). Implicit in this verse is the idea that Jerusalem is a city of significance that will be a focal point for conflict. This has been seen over the years and as we look towards the end of human history, it is Jerusalem that is the center of God’s end times agenda. To pray about what’s going on in the Middle East is to join with a significant part of the plans and purposes of God.
On Sunday at Mt Vic, we followed Pete Greig’s simple framework for praying in crises. It involves prayer under three headings and it can be a helpful guide whether praying on your own or with others. We can pray for People, Politicians and Priests/Pastors.
People
Pray for the people caught up in the conflict. The side they are on is irrelevant. Each of them is a person made in God’s image. There are still over 200 hostages in Gaza with families worried for their safety. There are hundreds of thousands of people displaced from homes and we can pray for food, shelter, clothing and power. Power shortages in Gaza mean hospitals are only providing emergency care. We need to pray for the significant amount of aid that is needed to get through.
Politicians
Israel has acknowledged they are planning for a ground invasion. This will have a devastating effect on an already horrific situation. We can pray for diplomatic processes in the region. For the intervention and involvement of other world leaders. We can pray for God to change the hearts and minds of those in positions of power such that an invasion might be averted.
Priests/Pastors
Finally, we can pray for Christian leaders and also all Christians who are called to represent God as ‘priests’ in the world. We can pray that they would know God’s presence in their lives and that they might understand how to love their God and love their neighbour during this time.
Above all, while we pray for this area, we can do so knowing that ultimately God is in control. Jesus really will return one day to rule and reign. These events remind us that it could literally be any day. As Peter wrote, “The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you can pray” (1 Pet 4:7).
Me inoi tātou.
Let us pray,
Simon
This post is part of the Senior Pastor’s weekly blog. Go to the the blog feed >>