6 April 2022 – Pause & Pray

Artwork: “Surrounded,” Aisha Brooks-Johnson, http://www.lewpstudio.com/devotionalart/surrounded

Every Wednesday we invite you to Pause and Pray with us. Today’s Pause and Prayer is written by Esther Inuwa.

PRAY

Dear God, we come to you with our frail lives asking for strength and guidance during our time of pain, sorrow, and temptation. You are a God of justice, love, and compassion;
Redeem the oppressed, heal the brokenhearted, and bring justice to the marginalized.
Give strength to the weak, peace, and hope to those suffering from injustice; because sometimes, the day seems dark, and the moonlight seems obscured.
As our world is torn apart with violence, blood, and deep sufferings;
We seek your face, oh Lord.
Bring healing both bodily, mentally, and spiritually to all people.
Let there be peace and love for individuals, groups, and all nations.
In you, Lord, we find grace, love, and compassion.
May, you Lord, grant us your Holy Spirit to shine in every broken heart.
Allow your power of love to fill us and strengthen us in Jesus’ name. Amen.

MEDITATE

Hebrews 12:1-2
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us,
2 Looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.

Amid the world’s uncertainties, it is easy to lose our focus on God and fix our eyes on what troubles us, things that cause us pain, and all negative experiences. Some of our past and present experiences of pains and sufferings clouded our minds from setting them on God. The writer of Hebrew is calling us to refocus our eyes on God despite our present circumstances. Running with faith is the ability to rely on God for protection, guidance, and comfort. The author encourages us to remove every hindrances, run our race with hope, reject any restrictions, and endeavor to lean on the One who gives us strength.
This calls us into a sober reflection, and I invite us to evaluate and assess our lives. What are the things that distract us? How do we persevere and keep our faith in the midst of pain, suffering, wars, and even death? Remember, our strengths lies in the grace of God and may God help us remain faithful in times like this in Jesus’ name. Amen.