I love the language of this NLT version of the Psalm that speaks of the wonderful, refreshing nature of the harmony that can happen when Abba’s children cast off their preconceived notions and opinions and instead find a way to agree, even for a few minutes. It is the heart’s cry of our Lord in the garden, His last request before the cross, and the promise of action in the heavens when it happens.
Recently I joined together with a few of my co-workers and church members to pray for the different ministries of Peachtree as we attempt to return to a new normal in the face of a pandemic that continues to linger and our communities grow increasingly weary in the fight. We began as one would expect a group of people vaguely familiar with each other would begin, with a hint of awkwardness and a touch of timidity. But collectively we knew that our mission was vastly more important than our insecurities, and we proceeded to dive into the heart of the matter where our family of faith has desperate needs.
As we continued to press into the needs and concerns of our beloved Peachtree, our prayers became even more fervent. It became evident that we were not alone for the Holy Spirt had joined us! Scripture began to flow from each of us as the focus grew to our city, our country, and the nations that are crying out for holy intervention. Our focus did not center on political affiliation, gender, musical, or cultural preference. Our focus was Christ in us, in the hope of Glory, of the increase of His government and peace, and the flame of the Holy Spirit that burns within each one of us. As we concluded our time of prayer, we became aware of an “unexpected togetherness” and a multi-stranded cord that could not be easily broken. Every morning after that time together, my prayers have included those prayer warriors who contended for the faith with me.
For almost two years now we have been in combat against an unseen enemy, a contagion that strikes without prejudice and has driven the people of God into isolation, anxiety, and fear. We gathered for prayer against the effects of that contagion and left infected with the contagious love that God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit has for His Bride, the Church, for the saints, and for the nations crying for a Savior. I believe the fervent love of those prayer warriors walking in our midst will bring about a spiritual pandemic that will spread throughout our city, into our nation, and beyond!