Pastor Appreciation Month

With October being Pastor Appreciation Month, let’s take some extra time this month to not only increase our prayer support for our pastors, but also pray about how we could express our appreciation for them in a meaningful way. Those who serve God by leading in our churches face an increasingly challenging task in these divisive times, and a bit more encouragement is always welcome. Write the names of your pastors (senior pastor, worship pastor, youth pastor, etc.) and their families in a place where you will see them, and lift them up each day of the month. Also, type up an email or send a card expressing how Jesus is using them to help you grow spiritually. A thoughtful note of appreciation can go a long way, and could mean more to them than you may ever know. Now that’s something to pray about!

Someone To Pray With

Do you ever feel like you just need a few people to pray with? Sometimes circumstances in life can press on you to the point where you just know, only God can fix this. I can certainly relate as I’ve found myself in that difficult place before. In fact, this is one of reasons the Greater Peoria House of Prayer exists today. Over the years, folks from all walks of life have come through our doors to pray for their family, friendships, health, business, finances and so much more. So if you ever need a few friends to agree with in prayer together, check out our website for current meeting times, and come on out. It’s our joy to pray in the mighty name of Jesus on your behalf. Now that’s something to pray about!

Unanswered Prayer

The story of the Syro-Phoenician woman—one of my favorites—gives us helpful insight into prayer. From Matthew’s account, we learn that despite the woman crying out to Jesus for mercy for her tormented daughter, He initially “answered her not a word” (Matthew 15:23). Friend, what do you do when it seems God is not answering? Unanswered prayer can make us feel like He is indifferent, but the reality is—as we see by the miraculous ending of the story—that the Lord is inviting us to exercise our faith and persist in prayer. He’s giving us an opportunity to appreciate the answer even more when it comes. I like what Charles Spurgeon says: “Continue in prayer, and though the blessing tarry, it must come; in God’s own time it must appear to you.” Now that’s something to pray about!

Afghanistan

The news of the military transition in Afghanistan has gripped the attention of the world the last few weeks. Photos and video footage of Afghans seeking evacuation were especially heartbreaking. Simply put, this nation—and the small but rapidly growing Christian church there—needs our fervent intercession. Acts 4:29-30 comes to mind, which reads: “Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” Pray for our Afghan brothers and sisters in Christ—for boldness, for protection, for miracles. God is ready to answer and move mightily in these desperate times. Now that’s something to pray about!

September 11

It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since those twin towers went down. I was 20-years-old sitting in my car in the parking lot of a bank in Connecticut flipping through radio stations when I began to realize that something very terrible had happened not too far from where I was. Since this was before smartphones, everyone was finding the nearest television to see what had happened. The scenes were shocking and devastating. Now two decades later, our hearts still ache knowing that evil is always lurking in our fallen world. My encouragement during this somber anniversary is to pray that God would expose darkness and turn the hearts of those bent on destruction to the light of Christ. He is mighty to save anyone who would call on His name. Now that’s something to pray about!