COVID-19: Prayer & Wisdom

Fear and worry are natural instincts for human survival.  Our brains are hardwired to respond to worrisome situations by attacking or avoiding behaviors.  Perhaps you are experiencing some of these things right now.  Some people are quick to criticize and complain (attack) and others are hoarding milk and toilet paper for a long hibernation (avoid).  Everyone is feeling anxious.  These are uncertain times, so anxiety and worry are only normal and natural reactions.  The Apostle Paul teaches a different response to these feelings.  For Christians, whenever we feel the pains of anxiety, our spirit is hardwired to pray.  Worry is a prompting for prayer.

In response to the health crisis, have you considered a prayer campaign for your church?  This Sunday is 21 days until Easter Sunday.  Converge has a habit of producing 21 Day prayer campaigns for your church on different topics.  Most of the resources are downloadable so that you can easily share them with your congregation.  I’m going to use the 21 Courageous Prayers in my devotional time.  You don’t have to start this Sunday if that is too short notice.  I encourage you to use one of these resources or create your own to lead your church in a specific season of prayer.

Prayer

We can pray for churches and our nation.  We want to equip our leaders to mobilize their churches to pray.  Our partners Converge National and Converge MidAmerica have developed these resources.

• Converge National 21 Days of Prayer
• Converge MidAmerica 21 Days of Prayer

Here are prayer requests written by David Nelms, president of The Timothy Initiative and global partner with Converge MidAtlantic:

• Pray that this pandemic would be put to a halt. 
• Pray for the sick, that they would be comforted, encouraged, and healed.
• Pray that the Holy Spirit would comfort the families of those suffering from COVID-19.
• Pray for opportunities to point others to the One who holds all things in His hands—Jesus. 
• Pray for pastors in our district and worldwide as they face this health crisis. Pray for wisdom and strength for these leaders. Pray for anointing as they minister the hope of Jesus to their communities.

3 observations about crisis, leadership and the Church

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

An opportunity lies in front of us. The gospel message is precisely what the world needs now. In this article, Converge president Scott Ridout shares three observations about crisis, leadership and the Church.

Faithfully respond.  Don't fearfully react.

In times of crisis, such as our current COVID-19 pandemic, people will turn to church leaders for help. Join us for a two-day digital summit on Thursday & Friday, March 26 & 27, 2020 (accessible at your own convenience) to learn from leaders around the world about how your church can respond to the coronavirus outbreak.  This summit will be presented by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and the National Association of Evangelicals.

We are here to help!

Converge has created a website in order to help your church respond and lead through the Coronavirus pandemic. We are updating our social media accounts on a regular basis and will continue to send out weekly updates.  We are family and we are better together!  Please share your ideas and God-stories with us.  Converge churches like you are our best resource for one another.  We’ll share your idea on the Converge MidAtlantic Facebook page and future updates.

Sincerely in Christ,

Brian Weber