“We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced… We were under great pressure, beyond our ability… God has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers.” 2 Cor. 1:8-11 (abbreviation)
Heavenly Father, this vignette from the Apostle Paul’s life gives me voice and hope this morning. Even as Paul craved prayer for the “great pressure” and “peril” he faced, so I have friends craving prayer for their immediate challenges.
In your sovereign wisdom, you choose to use the prayers of your people as a grace-conduit for the resurrection power of Jesus. Father, I bring these beloved friends and situations to your occupied throne of grace. (Friends, please add to my list.)
For my healthcare friends in greater Orlando (and beyond), serving in the frontlines of the current Covid-19, “Delta” crisis. Father, “overwhelmed” isn’t an exaggeration. Infections are multiplying, fears are up, and help from heaven is necessary. Grant them supernatural protection, Spirit-given wisdom, and palpable hope.
For my campus-ministry friends, serving with Reformed University Fellowship, in many states, challenges, and storylines. Having spent a portion of this week with these remarkable women and men, my love has grown, and my prayers are intensified. The calling is consuming, yet the Gospel is greater by far. Father, grant them great peace, joy, and love as they return to their campuses.
For my Montana-living friends, living within reach of raging wildfires—whose flames I’ve recently witnessed. I certainly pray for protection of lives and property, but I’m most inclined to pray today for the heroic servants fighting these destructive fires. Whether by helicopter, tractor, or on foot—grant these courageous men and women success. And bring rain, Father, bring a lot of rain. In Jesus’ merciful and mighty name, I pray, Amen.
