“I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in
the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.”
Ezekiel 22:30 (NIV)
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It was very refreshing to worship together outside on August 15th! We had 54 of our membership together and it was wonderful to see one another, sing, praise God and pray together. Our hope was to stay safe and we did. Everyone followed the guidelines by staying at a distance, yet we still felt like we were TOGETHER! It was a blessing.
Our next outdoor service is scheduled for Saturday, September 12 at 5:30 PM. If you feel comfortable coming we would love to have you join us. The theme of our outdoor worship was “STANDING IN THE GAP”. It has everything to do with posturing ourselves, as individuals and a congregation, in prayer for one another, our community, our country and the world. In the above passage God was desiring someone to “stand in the gap” by praying on behalf of the land. No one made themselves available to God. No one was willing to stand in the empty place that had been created by sin. No one was willing to cry out on behalf of the people of God.
We have been blessed because we know that Jesus stood in the gap for us. Through his death and resurrection, his words of forgiveness from the cross and his role as a prayerful mediator for us (1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 9:15) we have learned how precious it is when one is willing to “stand in the gap” for us. It is from this place that we, as the people of God, begin to “stand in the gap” for others.
We are a people who respond to the needs around us in prayer and service. Why? Because God called to our hearts to do so in thanksgiving for all we have received through Christ. Taking a posture of prayer for our land, community and the world is an easy response which arises out of gratitude and desire for others to be cared for by God.
I think we can all agree that our family members, church, community, country and world are desperately in need of prayer. There have always been issues in the world, however, we are in a time of great struggle. Since COVID 19 we have all experienced some forms of separation, struggle, death and pain. Our world is being broken through fires, hurricanes (even in Iowa) and other disasters. I remind you God calls us to pray!
You have all probably noticed that you are receiving “prayer requests” from me. It used to be a small group of our members that signed up to receive them. The reason we broadened our base is because of the need. I believe that we are to be a people of prayer, lifting up those around us, especially the ones who cannot lift themselves. To take time when you receive the prayer request, or when God lays someone on your heart to lift up a prayer is a powerful gift. Prayer can and does make a difference, even when we don’t see it. Jesus prayed for us…we pray for others. God is asking…we respond!
Prayerfully in Christ,
Pastor Barb
**Also, remember to worship with us online. Facebook and YouTube.
Thank you for your wonderful words and leadership during this time. Always a pleasure to see and hear you. Continue to be safe and stay strong.