GREATER AKRON PRAYER FOCUS

The month of December has arrived!

This means the end of another year is approaching very quickly. Since our last prayer article many things have happened in our individual lives, this region, and our country and in our world.

Finally, the presidential elections are over. Americans have elected the first President with an African-American heritage. The elections in this country were followed very quickly by a tremendous financial plunge. The ripple effects have been experienced in financial markets throughout the world.

Suddenly the hearts of many are more fearful and less hopeful for their futures. The banking, housing and automotive industries have requested trillions of dollars in bailout monies from the United States government. In the Greater Akron area plans are underway to request monies to assist families who are facing foreclosures on their homes!

The economic times paint a grim picture for the immediate future of our cities, states and country.

This past Thanksgiving Holiday period was a time for those of us who love God to reflect on His goodness and express Thanksgiving. This too was overshadowed by the brutal murders of many people in the city of Mumbai (formerly Bombay), India. My heart was filled with prayer and a reminder of the false sense of security that exist when we trust in established structures rather than God’s divine protection.

Our prayers are needed for the government officials of India, the families of those killed in this brutal attack and for all suffering at this time.

If we were to focus on all the pain, suffering, fear and crises we might become overwhelmed and give up. However the one constant is that our God has not changed. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He remains the God who longs to hear our prayers and answer those prayers.

The problems we are facing are larger than we as individuals, but not too large for our God. As we reflect upon all that has happened during the last few months may our prayers be filled with the knowledge of the goodness of God? David wrote “I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living (emphasis added). Psalm 27:13

In the face of adversity we have many Biblical examples. In 2 Corinthians 4:7-10 we read about the life of Paul and his companions: We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.

Despite the news and circumstances of life may we not forget the significance of the month of December to God’s people? December is the month we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. I pray that each of us would be reminded in the midst of our life circumstances that Jesus is the reason we can have hope during this season and beyond! The hope that is found in the overwhelming victory of the resurrecting power of our God! Jesus is a living God who still provides for His people today. The gift God gave of a Son at the time we refer to as Christmas is a gift that continues to provide faith and hope today!

Dear Lord:
Without a doubt we are facing some very perilous times throughout the world. Yet Lord You are still the same. You are a God of love and provision, who is willing to provide for the needs of Your people. I pray for those who are grieving the loss of loved ones because of the terrorism in Mumbai, India. We pray for your divine comfort.

Lord I also pray for all of who have lost their homes, jobs and money during this time. May they trust You Lord to provide their needs? I pray that we in the communities might openly share so that the needs of others would be provided. Thank you for all the ministries and organizations that care for the poor, the homeless, and the abandoned.

Lord I pray for wisdom for our current President, George W. Bush, as he prepares to leave office. There is still work to be done. Give him the strength, anointing and ability to complete the work you have given him to fulfill. I also pray for President-elect, Barak Obama, that you would prepare his heart to lead this country according to Your will. Lord guide him with wisdom as he takes over in January. I pray for all those who will be working with him.

Father we thank you for hearing our prayers and ask that you give us hearts to hunger for more of You during this Christmas season. For surely you will never leave us nor forsake us. You are indeed faithful to take care of your people in times of calamity. Help us Lord to live so that others might be drawn to seek You as Lord and Savior.

Amen.

 

We would enjoy hearing from you. Please email us at: Info@akronapj.com

Delphine Allen
Prayer Coordinator
Email: delphineallen@greenmeadowsministries.org