Can prayer change a whole community?

The world around us often echoes with sirens and cries.  “Let’s pray about it,” sometimes feels like an escapist retort.  “Let’s do something about it,” seems futile.  The news coverage out of Ferguson, MO gave us a glimpse of the sad realities of crime and distrust.  Fear, rage and rampant crime escalated so rapidly the Governor activated the National Guard.  Private gun sales increased by 300%.  Fear feeds on itself, and the situation seemed poised for more tragedy.  There is another side of the story though!  An awesome report from the Heartland Apostolic Prayer News offers us a different look—and inspiration for all our cities.

As the darkness rolled in, prayer and worship increased in the community.  Christian outreach to stem the tide of negativity escalated.  A tent ministry of praise and evangelism began operating twelve hours per day.  A community prayer room opened.  Within 21 days, fifty people made commitments to Jesus Christ, some of whom actually came to contribute to the turmoil.  They left praising the Holy One!  During the month, Worship Gatherings dissolved violent protests and inspired policeman to sing along—the Christians seeped life into the broken community—and stemmed the tide of evil.  Even the City of Ferguson commended the “Jesus People,” saying, “We don’t know what you’re doing, but when you do it, the atmosphere changes.”

The key to changing the atmosphere is within reach! It is the Word of God, and Jesus Christ is the Living Word.   We cannot just say, “I’ll pray about it.”  We need to pray; AND we need to be visibly, courageously living out the Word of God.  We must not have a spirit of fear:  we are to march on the darkness.

All creation began under the blessing of God; the curse didn’t nullify the blessing.  It remains; we must be restored to the blessing on the grounds of the redemption.  God does not bless us or answer our prayers because we are sincere; He responds on the basis of the redeeming work of Jesus Christ.  The way each of us lives our life influences the world around us.  When we live our lives surrendered to the Word, aware of the blessings God first bestowed, we bring His presence into our environment.  That, in turn, brings the very environment of heaven…where His will is done!  The presence of God brings the goodness of God which includes conviction, repentance, awareness of God…and forgiveness.  If we want our communities restored, we must live the Word!  The folks of Ferguson have a prayer they are sharing for all who want change in their communities.  With the pending court judgment, joining in prayer with them for their city is our privilege and responsibility.

DECLARING THE VICTORY!!

Our prayer and worship are making a difference and the atmosphere is changing. Things truly are shifting, but it’s time to declare over every city in America, Isaiah 26:1, ” . . . Our city is strong! We are surrounded by the wall of God’s salvation.” (NLT)

This is OUR city, not the enemy’s. We call our city back to the original intent Father had for it and we bless God’s dream for it and for us as it’s inhabitants.