On behalf of the Leadership Team of Sovereign Grace Churches, I want to communicate our deep sorrow for the effects of sin that have been magnified by the events of the past few weeks. The evidence of injustice, suffering, and fragmentation within our communities breaks our hearts.
We are humbled by our inability to remedy the evils of this fallen world. Yet we are hopeful, knowing that Jesus Christ has the power to rescue sinners, transform hearts, heal the deepest of wounds, and reconcile the bitterest of enemies.
Over the past few weeks we have thought it appropriate that our local churches, in their varied nations, communities and circumstances, speak to these recent issues, and we’ve been encouraged by the compassionate and wise response of our pastors. However, we desire to express our dependence on Jesus Christ together by calling for a Day of Prayer on Wednesday, July 1, 2020.
The prayer requests below reflect not only the burdens on all of our hearts, but also the promises and faithfulness of God revealed in his Word. It is to Him that we pray in faith asking for His divine help.
Pray that God would comfort those who have lost loved ones, who are saddened and wearied by injustices, and who are experiencing deep sorrow for the effects of sin that have been magnified recently in our culture. As a family of churches, we “weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15b) and pray knowing that God draws near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18).
Pray that God would give us wisdom and discernment as we look beyond political, economic, or social factors to the biblical issues of the human heart underlying the brokenness in our world (Mark 7:21-23). Pray that our responses to current events would be humble, patient, compassionate, and biblically informed.
Pray that God would deepen our conviction that every man and woman is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27) and that we would value everyone—including those different from us—and treat everyone with compassion, kindness, and generosity that is in keeping with the intrinsic dignity and value that is theirs as an image bearer of God (James 3:9).
Pray that God would give us grace to walk humbly with Him, asking the Spirit to show us any sinful ways in our own hearts (Mark 7:21-23), seeking forgiveness that is ours in Christ. (Ephesians 1:7) Pray that we might also forgive others extending to them the grace that we ourselves have received (Ephesians 4:32).
Pray that our righteous and just God would work in any unjust or oppressive situation in our communities to establish justice. Pray for all those in authority, that they may govern and lead righteously, wisely, and compassionately (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Ask God to give us as His people opportunities to reflect his character—and so to “do justice, love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God” (Micah 6:8) all for His glory because “all his ways are justice” (Deuteronomy 32:4).
Pray that our churches would display the power of the gospel that not only reconciles sinners to God but also unites diverse, formerly estranged people into “one new man”—a new humanity united in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:11-16).
Pray that God would grant unity and peace where there is disharmony and strife in our churches and communities, making us “eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3) for the display of his glory.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to motivate and empower our declaration of the gospel as the only hope of reconciliation with God, and with each other. Ask God for specific opportunities to adorn the gospel with the good works He has prepared for us (Ephesians 2:10), sharing the gospel, and demonstrating His love to those in our lives and communities.
Pray that God would deepen our trust in His sovereign rule and reign over all (Psalm 33:11, Isaiah 37:26), even when we don’t see and understand all that He is doing, believing that He is working all things for His good purposes and for His glory (Romans 8:28).
As a Leadership Team, we thank God for the pastors and members in Sovereign Grace churches throughout the world for their devotion to Jesus Christ, who alone has the power to unite people from every tongue, tribe and nation through his saving work on the cross—and all for His glory alone.
Mark Prater is the Executive Director for Sovereign Grace and serves as an elder at Covenant Fellowship Church. He and his wife, Jill, have three married daughters and a growing number of grandchildren.