Scripture

Isaiah 40:28-31 NRSV

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Consider

I can think of no time when the call for Christians to pray has been more urgent.

In this past week we have watched in helpless horror as a government collapsed and throngs of people were sent fleeing or hiding from the sudden reign of violence and death all around them. Although we feel helpless, we must remember that in Christ we are not without power. We who are small can trust in the largeness of our God and pray with confidence for his help.

In our belief that God is everywhere present, even in the thickest evil and deepest darkness, we can hope on God’s promises to shield and protect those who look to Him. Rather than stand on politicians’ promises or the fragile alliances of nervous governments, we can choose to stand on the truth of God’s Word and pray with strength and courage that God will step in to strengthen the weak and open paths of escape for the trapped and desperate.

I urge you to pray with me for the lives and safety of all people who are caught beneath the collapse of Afghanistan, and for their families and loved ones who wait for news. Please pray that dark hearts will be turned toward God, that love and goodness may find ways to conquer fears and generate hope and courage. Pray that God will go before the innocent to fight their battles and make ways of escape, as He did for the Israelites.

I pray God will add to your faith as our prayers rise together like a pleasing fragrance. May you take comfort and solace in the knowledge that God always answers in his own time and in ways that are best for his own good purpose.

Pray

“O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home. Within the shadow of thy throne, still may we dwell secure. Sufficient is thine arm alone, and our defense is sure.” Lyrics by Isaac Watts, 1674-1748; music by William Croft, 1677-1727.

Reflect

Psalm 91; 1 Peter 5:7

Ponder

How, specifically, does God want me to pray this week?