CrossPoint Community News 02/17/2023

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

       This week, we take time to pray. Please join me by praying the following prayer:
       Our Gracious Father, you rule the nations in righteousness and justice. They are, after all, the foundation of your throne. When people come to know you, they recognize your goodness and glory and praise you exceedingly. Thank you for having mercy on us, your people, so that we can be in a relationship of blessing and abundance because of your grace towards us. Thank you for your faithfulness, that we can turn to you in times of worry and anxiety.
       When we hear of earthquakes and wars, we mourn at the loss of life of those who are your image bearers. Help us to weep with those who weep in Turkey and Syria as the living are working at piecing their lives back together following the devasting earthquakes last week. We pray that you would put an end to looting and the terror of groups that are using this tragedy as a means for their gain. We ask, that in your just wrath, you would cut them off. Provide food and shelter for those who have been displaced by the destruction of their homes. Grant that the good news of a Savior may go forth and people can find in you want they need. We pray also for those who are still living and fighting in Ukraine. Grant them the resources they need to maintain peaceful self-governance. Turn back the invading country’s forces, confound their military, ruin their plans, and create panic among their troops so that they return home, without causing any further destruction. Provide for humanitarian plans and resources, to bring supplies in or to bring people out, so that the country can have peace and begin the process of rebuilding. We don’t see an end to the war. How long, O Lord, before you show the invading nation, and the world that you are King? Thank you that you make wars to cease even to the ends of the earth.
       We also ask that you will reveal your goodness, glory, and grace to those struggling with anxiety and depression, particularly among teen girls and self-identified LGTBQ youth. A report from the CDC came out this week highlighting a significant rise in depression, anxiety and suicide attempts during 2021. Lord, we pray that you would protect the developing minds of teenagers. Help them to learn discernment, to identify and process their feelings, and not be overwhelmed by hopelessness, despair, or a felt sense of being disconnected. Grant that they would know that you are with them, that there is hope, and that your body, the Church, loves and cares (albeit imperfectly). Have mercy on our youth, dear Lord!
       We praise you that you are pouring out your Spirit at Asbury Theological Seminary. Lord, continue to move people to repentance, reconciliation, holiness. Keep the awakening going to re-invigorate your church to be your hands and feet in the world – to go where you want us to go, to say what you want us to say, to be what you want us to be. Continue to give us more of yourself so that our lives our changed, our relationships are strengthened, and our communities are transformed for your honor and glory.
       We ask these things in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

Also, please continue to pray for the nation of Ukraine. Here is a suggested list of prayers if you are at a loss for words in how to pray: https://send.org/story/hh_pray_for_ukraine. Thank you for kneeling on behalf of the people of Ukraine and Russia, and taking a stand (or a knee in prayer) against the forces of darkness in this present age.