Season of Prayer
Wednesday is Ash Wednesday [listen to sermon here], marking the first of the 46 days of Lent. The observance of a 46-day Lenten season is believed to have begun sometime in the 300s AD. It became a season of fasting, and thus of prayer and repentance, during which people will often eat only one meal a day (except on Sundays) and have extended times of prayer, the study of God’s Word, and reflection, leading up to the great celebration of Easter Sunday.
Regardless of whether you decide to commit to any form of a fast during this season, I hope that you will commit to daily times of prayer, as well as to gathering together for times of prayer on Sunday evenings at 4:30 pm.
There is certainly much for us to pray for. Pray for the physical and spiritual well-being of the members of this church. Pray for the ministry efforts of each one of us to bear great fruitfulness. Pray for opportunities during this Lenten season for each of us to share the gospel with those who do not know Christ.
It has been less than a week since Russia invaded Ukraine, which could end up marking the start of another Cold War if Putin’s war and nuclear provocations persist. Pray for wisdom, courage, and integrity among all the governing authorities of the world. Pray for the Ukrainian men, women, and children who are fleeing for their lives. Pray for the Ukrainian men who have either chosen or have been forced to stay to defend their nation against an evil war of aggression. Pray for the growing masses of Russian citizens who are protesting this horror within Russia. Pray for Russian soldiers and leaders to fear God more than they fear the war mongers. Pray for internal strife throughout the ranks of Russia’s government and military to grow and to help bring the utter collapse of Putin’s regime. Pray for diplomacy to prevail over violence. Pray for peace and for the spread of “the gospel of peace” (Eph 6:15).
For further details on what to expect on our Sunday Evening Gatherings beginning this Sunday at 4:30, please read our article ("Gathered Prayer") and the associated sermon ("Devoted to Prayer") from a few weeks ago.
Related follow-up article: "Only By Prayer"
