Last night our global community met for our monthly prayer gathering and I was so impressed as we prayed through the passage listed below from the prophet Joel.

While our world has been through so much, Pastor K reminded us that we have been meeting repenting and praying, seeking the Lord’s direction. He challenged us that now is the time to pray for the healing of our nations from the pandemic and for revival. 

So, we prayed and the prayers were fervent for our nations. Being from the US with the significant election around the corner, it was heartening to hear prayers for America and our next president. May the Lord’s will be done and may peace reign across the land. May we see revival sweep across the United States and the Lord’s healing touch be on our nation.

One by one, in large group and in small breakouts, we prayed for each of our nations.

Would you join us in these prayers. We long for a United Church worldwide to live out the values of the kingdom and share the hope we have that can only be found in Christ. May his love and truth bring healing to the nations and may the Gospel shine forth bringing revival to our world! 

Our Prayer Time

As we began our prayer today the Lord put in my heart from the book of Joel.

Joel 1:1 to 1:12 talks about an invasion of locusts (in our context the situation we are going now).

Joel 1:13–20 calls to repentance. It explains in detail the destruction and loss the situation will bring. The house of God (church) is suffering, the food supply is affected, the nature and the economy is badly affected.

Joel 2:1-11 warns about the dreadful days that will take place in addition to what is already happening. The world is experiencing part of it now apart from the pandemic– flooding, devastating wildfires, lawlessness, extreme weather conditions, economic war, etc.

Joel 2:12–17 God commands His people to come together, repent and intercede (many are doing it nationwide in different countries).  

Joel 2:18–27: God promises restoration (yet to come) but we are asked to anticipate restoration and blessing.

Joel 2:28–30: God will bring about a great awakening and revival.

Note the word here in verse 28, “and afterward….” When all these have happened and passed, then God will bring not just restoration and blessing but everyone in His kingdom will be revived and use for His glory.

Our hope is not just to see the pandemic end but the body of Christ emerge stronger and revived before Christ comes back.

Leaning on Christ,

Rev. Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Ph.D.
President

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More Information

• Reflections related to coronavirus