Prayer Can Remind Us We are Not Alone
“Ever notice how the inner voice that says, ‘We are powerless. This will never work.’ gets louder when you feel alone? That’s because loneliness and isolation amplify despair. Community, partnership, and action are the antidote. Hope is a group project.” —Jemar Tisby
We started this week with the reassurance that you don’t have to pray in front of others. God hears your heart whether you’re in public or in a closet. God hears your heart whether your prayers are simple, fancy or I-don’t-even-have-the-words pleas.
But what if sometimes prayer can be a way that we connect not just with God but also with others? What if it could help us expand the circle? If it could be not just connection between us and God, or us and our community, but us, God and our community all together?
Consider this time just before his death when Jesus told his friends he did not want to pray alone:
36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” (Matt. 26)
Keep watch with me, Jesus says - I need you. Be with me as I pray. Help me remember that God is with us.
A few invitations:
Is there anyone you’ve been praying for or would like to pray for? Remember it doesn’t have to be fancy or loud. It’s just an expression of care. You could even text afterwards to let them know you were thinking of them and that you care.
Would you like someone to pray for you? You could reach out to someone you know who’s the praying type or possibly-prayer-open, to let them know you need some support. The City Church prayer team is also always willing to pray.
Would you like to experiment with praying with others in a safe, supportive space? The prayer team is hosting a Zoom prayer circle in just a few weeks - RSVP now!