 We are in an arena filled with people. Multi-colored spotlights span the crowd. It is the opening night of Cru15. Steve Sellers, the Vice President of Cru and the US National Director, shares his personal experience with the Pray2020 initiative. Each day an alarm is set for 20:20 (8:20pm EST). No matter what is happening, he and his wife, Christy stop what they are doing to pray for the world. From the Pray2020 About page: We picture a day when there will be movements everywhere across the globe so that every person on the planet knows someone who follows Jesus. To that end, we are trusting God to raise up 10 million Christ-centered multiplying disciples by the end of the year 2020. As Steve is talking, what impacts me the most is how he is being changed. It is clear that his heart is being molded by God through keeping this simple discipline. This is what I need too! You might be saying, ‘Wait! Stop right there! Isn’t this prayer initiative about the Great Commission and reaching the world?’ Yes, it is. But, it is also about our own hearts being transformed too. This is what God wants to do through each and every prayer. How does this happen? 1)It happens through posture. Whenever we pray, we instantly remember God is God alone. We let go of our ability to change a situation. We lay down our lack of faith that God can change it. As I have begun praying at 20:20, I realize how little I believe God can do this work. It has been very humbling. I have learned to confess my lack of faith. I have pled with God to increase my faith as I echo His heart for the world. 2)It happens through purpose. When the alarm goes off in the evening, I am often just beginning to relax after a long day with kids. A lot of times I want to ignore the sound, and sometimes I have. But this is too important. There is nothing God cares more about than His glory. Ultimately, His Glory is displayed as Jesus is lifted up and all people are drawn to Him. Even if it is for a minute, I need to remember this. 3)It happens through presence. As believers, Christ is always present with us. Yet, when we choose to humble ourselves and exalt Him we take this active step into the heart of who He is. In developing this simple discipline, we align ourselves with God’s great work in the world. And in our spirits, we join others around the world who are taking this same step! Some days, my voice has felt small and thin. I am sure this little prayer with little strength will not mean much. But, I remember I am praying, with lightning bright clarity, exactly what God wants to do. I remember I am a part of something so much greater as many all over the globe pray in these same moments. Some days, as I have prayed with my Venezuelan sister-in-law, I feel strong and powerful. She has poured out her heart for God to heal her land and raise up His church there. I, in turn, have prayed for the places where I have lived and loved—the U.S., Spain and Hungary. We have reminded each other of who God is and allowed our hearts to be broken again. God is at work and is calling us to join Him. It is not about ‘one more thing’, but about molding our hearts to be like His. Please follow this link for more information and resources! Pssst.... this post is apart of the 5th Annual Not About Me November Series. Check the rest of the posts out here.
About Abby I am wife to a wonderful man, mama to three precious now-little-but-soon-will-not-be loves. Each born in a different place--two states including 2 states and 2 countries. I am a farm girl who found her heart in the city. I can now claim fluency in 3 languages :: English, Spanish & Hungarian.This combined with the all-too-true 'mommy brain' explains much regarding my mental state most days;) I am a sojourner longing for Home. Yet, in my messy and broken, I embrace the moments given with all I have. I am seeking, praying, and learning again and again that it is for His Glory I live. My prayer is that my little life would make much of Him! I write regularly at Abigail Alleman. If you'd like to read more from this contributor, type her name in the search box on the top right.
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I am looking to find those who are praying, for more praying is what I am already doing within my own life. Yours is one of the webpages I have sent into my own Facebook. James 5:16 KJV - Leave a Reply. |
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