40 DAYS OF PRAYER (2021)

FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS

Day 30 – Present Opportunities

O Lord! How can this be? How can the world changed all of a sudden?
The invisible enemy, the anxious hearts, mask wearing, social distancing
Waving by the door, meeting online, planes grounded, pandemic escalating
O Lord, where are you?

The sanctuary might be empty, but the church is full… You want us to embrace this present opportunity, transforming fellowship regardless of its forms.

In-person service ceased, online worship begun, sitting or lying, dress codes varied… You want us to exercise this present opportunity, to be before You in spirit and in truth.

Pastors become YouTubers, sermon messages everywhere, like, subscribe, and be on alert… You want us to focus on this present opportunity, remain faithful despite the season.

Believers growing cold and complacent, true disciples becoming more passionate… You want us to be on guard with this present opportunity, it is time to separate wheat from chaff.

With limitation on daily routine, realizing there is little that we truly need… You want us to treasure this present opportunity, manage relationship well with family.

No more business dinners, time to restore devotions and prayers… You want us to seize this present opportunity, drawing closer to the Lord.

You open our eyes to see You in the midst of this pandemic!
You say, “Take heart, it is I, do not be afraid!” (Matt 14:27)

You open our ears to hear You gentle whisper!
You say, “Draw near to me and I will draw near to you!” (James 4:8)

You open our mouth to repent and confess Jesus Christ is Lord!
You say, “Be still, and know that I am God!” (Psalm 46:10a)

You use our hands to become the hands of the Good Samaritan!
You say, “Give them something to eat!” (Matt 14:16)

You use our feet to press on and to proclaim the good news!
You say, “Put out into the deep, I will make you fishers of men.” (Luke 5:4, Matt 4:19)

Regardless the length of the pandemic, we will run after You, fix our eyes on the cross with the world behind us.

O Father! May Your kingdom come, may Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

“Because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” ~ Luke 1:78-79

Rev. Nicole Chen
EFC Taipei