Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins today and extends for a week. This year's theme is "We will all be changed by the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ." It is in recognition that Christ gives us a different kind of victory than what the world offers. You can read the background here.

Have you prayed often for Christian unity?

Religious differences have divided people in the past not only among nations but also among members of a family. I believe the important thing is that we begin to see what we have in common as opposed to what are our differences. We also need to have a concern for each other that transcends our differences.

Our prayers can be directed in several ways in observance of this week.
1. Pray that people of different religious persuasions would seek to understand one another.
2. Pray that people of different religious persuasions would become involved in joint community or global service.
3. Pray for joint worship among different religious groups.
4. Pray for finding and highlighting a common denominator among different faiths.
5. Pray for a family member who is of a different faith and where there might be tension.

It's the occasion to lift up our prayers for the whole people of God!

Prayer as a Divine Invitation

It's always comforting to read of God's promises in Scripture. They are made by the eternal One who will always stand by the word given to us.

In Jeremiah 33:3, we have the words of God coming to the prophet Jeremiah: "Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things which you have not known."

Those words bring a rock solid promise; but even more than a simple promise. It is God willing to reveal to Jeremiah great and hidden things. Even though destruction might come from the Chaldeans, God will restore the fortunes of Judah and fortunes of Israel. vs. 7 The voice of mirth and gladness would return. vs. 11. What hopeful words to hear!

I know that I myself like to hear these words of Scripture from time to time as they bolster my faith. I know that I can stake my life on the promises that God gives - even with prayer.

When I pray, I therefore know that the words of my prayer will not just evaporate in space, but will be heard by a loving and all-powerful God. This conviction makes all the difference. It makes praying worth all the effort.

Willing you be willing to stake your prayers on this promise of God?

Wise Men Still Seek Him

The Outdoor Sign of our church currently reads: "Wise Men Still Seek Him (So do Wise Women)," which honors the Day of Epiphany which is January 6.

That slogan reminds me that as wise as I think I am, I still need the Lord. I just can't make it on my own. My own wisdom can easily turn on its head into foolishness.

Therefore, I need to pray for wisdom in what I do - especially as I enter into this new year. I will pray for wisdom regarding my personal life and also in being the pastor of a church. I realize that what I think of as wise may not be what God desires of me. Yet, I hope I can submit to the wisdom of God.

It's the time of the year to pray for wisdom as we think about the many facets of our lives for the next 12 months. There may be many forks in the road and many uncertain times that we face. Prayer is what will help us along as we submit to the One who created us and all things.

Those Wise Men had a star that guided them. We also need the light of Christ to guide us as we live each day of this year.