Has the Lord ever urged you to pray? Not long ago there was a night where I was awake off and on several times. One of my friends was recovering from major surgery so each time I was awake I decided to pray for him. Later, I found out that my friend had a rough night where he struggled several times in the night. I believe it was God who awakened me and put the thought in my heart to pray.
Many people of Jerusalem had been taken into exile to Babylon who had conquered them. Place yourself in their sandals for a moment. Many people were overwhelmed in their new situation. Their life as they knew it would never be the same. They had entered into a new normal.
In midst of all this the Lord, through Jeremiah, sent them an encouraging letter to live in the land and build homes and have families. He also told them something very important. Jeremiah 29:7 And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.” [1] The Lord urged them to pray! God was going before them; telling them to pray and what to pray for. What does this tell us about God? God does not need our help but wants to involve us in His work. The Lord desires that all will go well for us.
In addition, there is a direct connection between the prayers of the people and what will happen in their city. 1 Timothy 2:1I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. What would happen in our cities if we took this instruction seriously? It is true that the welfare the city where we live does determine our own welfare. Our prayers also help the truth of God advance and prepare the way for others to be saved. Our leaders also need the divine guidance that only God can give. This is especially important in our chaotic times today.
God does not change. Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.[2] God continues to work through His children today through their prayers. The Lord also tells us how powerful prayer is. James 5:16The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. [3]
What is going on in your life? Is the Lord prompting you to pray about something that He is placing on your heart? The Lord hears your prayers and wants to bring about what He is asking. That is truly amazing.
To hear more about hope for refugees, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/hope-for-refuges
[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
[3] The Holy Bible: New International Version. (1984). (Jas 5:16). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.