PRAY IT! Live For Your City

There is a difference between physically taking up space, and being present and engaged.  Imagine the ridiculousness of a teacher standing at the front of a classroom, but not teaching.  The effectiveness of a fire department that sits in their truck, hoses primed, as a house burns to the ground.  Imagine a surgeon, scrubbed in and ready, but that does not perform surgery.  A chef in the kitchen who does not prepare food.  A swimmer that stays perched on the diving board.  A church that passively exists in its community.  A Christian that does not interact with people.  The people in our cities need us to be more than physically located in our city.  They need us to be present, active, and engaged. 

Throughout Scripture, Jesus uses a lot of action words. 

"...follow me..." (Matthew 9:9)
"...pray earnestly..." (Matthew 9:38)
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..." (Matthew 28:19)

It is not the intent of Christ that we are to be blobs merely taking up space until we die.  We were made for action.  We were made for more.  He can use us to bring about good.  2 Timothy 1:9 states " He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time" (NIV).

In Philippians 1, we are exposed to Paul's heart.  He loves Jesus and yearns to be with Him.  Yet, he also loves the Philippians.  He is willing to put his own desires on the back burner, patiently waiting and trusting in God's timing, as he follows the desires of God, and lives out God's purposes in his life.  Prayer is interwoven throughout this entire chapter.

It can be easier to live disconnected than engaged.  Investing in others takes work.  Prayer is foundational in helping us overcome the hurdle of isolation and apathy.  In Philippians 1, we can learn how to target our prayers as we surrender to what God wants, living for Jesus, and living for our city.

1.)  Pray joyfully and thankfully (v3)
2.)  Pray confidently (v6)
3.)  Pray specifically; pray with Christ-focus (v9)
4.)  Pray for others (v19)

Jesus, I am so excited to spend eternity with You in Your Heavenly city.  I am also just as excited to see my city transformed through Your powerful love.  Use me in a powerful way in my city.  Amen.

PoC Prayer Service is tonight, at 7pm.  Would you consider joining us?

Pastor Celia