Praying for Your City

Chicago has just elected a new mayor. The task of running a city the size of Chicago might seem to be overwhelming with its many problems. What is it that we can do as Christians?

We can pray for the welfare of the city.

Listen to the words of Jeremiah, "But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare." Jer. 29:7 As the city goes, so goes the well-being of its citizens. The Israelities were in foreign territory - in fact in exile in Babylon and were instructed to pray. They were to seek the welfare of the city!

You and I can lift up our prayers for our own communities. Are you aware of what the needs are of the place where you live? We are also instructed to Scripture to pray for "kings and all who are in high positions," (1 Timothy 2:2) in order that we might lead lives of peace. At Savior Divine in our worship every Sunday we pray for the President of the United States that he would receive guidance from God regarding our foreign policy and internal affairs of our country.

How much praying do you do for the welfare of your city?

Staying Connected

I'm sure that there are times when you find it hard to pray. Too many things aren't going right. Your prayers aren't being answered (at least not fast enough). Can you still stay connected to God?

The psalmist offers us an interesting scenario as we learn from Psalm 73. As he looked out into the world he discovered that the wicked prospered and put this in contrast to his own life, where he had a clean heart and yet found himself suffering. It just wasn't fair. It didn't make sense to really stay connected to God.

But then he realized the end of the wicked. They will one day fall!

However, the psalmist was able to assert in faith to God: "Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you do hold my right hand." Ps. 73:23 Can we have this kind of faith - to stick with God even when things aren't going well? Reflect to on God's sticking with us despite our sin.

The best thing we can do amid life's downturns and unfairness is to keep our faith and to keep praying. Our relationship with God will mean more to us than anything else.

The Power of One

A few weeks ago I preached a sermon on a contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. It still resonates in my mind when I think of what took place. The goal was for each side to build an altar, offer a sacrifice, and see whose God can bring fire upon the sacrifice. Elijah was contending against 450 prophets of Baal. It was obviously lopsided with Elijah standing to be ridiculed if he lost.

Yet, Elijah won out - he was only one person praying to his God- and fire came down.

Sometimes we might wonder if our solitary prayer will have any power. Can God tune into me as one of 6.8 billion people on this planet? On top of that, amid my own weaknesses and shortcomings, will God be moved to do what I ask?

It's hard be alone. However, we really are not alone. With God we have all the power we need. We only need to be willing to offer pray and believe what God can do. Maybe when no one else can find a solution to a problem or doesn't offer to pray - maybe you are the one called to step up to the plate to pray.

Praying to Be Taught

The realm of praying is often viewed as being within limits. You have something you need; you bring it before God. Most of the time, it seems, we pray because we are faced with a problem - a sickness or some kind of an emergency, where we feel it would be worth our while to call upon God.

But notice these words of the psalmist: "Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth." (Psalm 86:11)

Ever think about praying to have God teach you what you need to know to be an obedient child of God? I have to admit it has been rare in my own life. We think we know what we are to do. We feel we have read enough in the Bible.

Then there is this facet of prayer to also help us align our life with God. Really, it is once again all about the relationship with God. By asking God "to teach us" we show our dependence and our respect for our Creator.

See where you are in your life. Are you hungry for the Lord's ways?