Is there a Word of the Lord for us in our times? How about Acts 8:1-8? The context is the time immediately following the death of the first martyr of the church—Stephen. Those were turbulent, trying times.
“That day a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria. Devout men buried Stephen and made loud lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging the church by entering house after house; dragging off both men and women, he committed them to prison. Now those who were scattered went from place to place, proclaiming the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. The crowds with one accord listened eagerly to what was said by Philip, hearing and seeing the signs that he did, for unclean spirits, crying with loud shrieks, came out of many who were possessed; and many others who were paralyzed or lame were cured. So, there was great joy in that city.” (Acts 8:1-8, NRSV)
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Thanks be to God for His incomparable Word.
A Prayer for Turbulent Times
Holy Father, great and glorious is your name, O Lord. You are magnificent and mighty, glorious and exalted in our eyes. You have created a wild and beautiful world, but we are facing unprecedented worldwide challenges in all aspects of life.
Holy Father, great and glorious is your name, O Lord. You are magnificent and mighty, glorious and exalted in our eyes. You have created a wild and beautiful world, but we are facing unprecedented worldwide challenges in all aspects of life.
Keep us mindful that challenges are not to be feared, but to be met head on with faith. Whether it is a rocky patch or a mountain of concern, with you as our guide we will climb the rocks, reach the summit and splash in the ocean of your love. Life is marked by both immense danger and unbridled joy. We know it is best traversed by prayer, seeking your wisdom.
We are grateful that you have loved your world and the works of your hands—and that you have come to us in Christ to know our pain and sorrow as well as our joy and success. You know when we are in moments of well-being and when we are in moments of uncertainty or danger. And you are with us—Immanuel.
This scripture passage reminds us that the world is still a dangerous place. Scenes such as that depicted in the early days of the church still take place. Sad to say, it is almost commonplace to hear of brazen, barbaric assaults on innocent people in the news daily. The amazing thing is that, in the midst of the violent turbulence of the times of the early church, “there was great joy in that city” (verse 8). Imagine that! A funeral, imprisonment—and great joy!
Because you are near to hear our cries and petitions, we find faith and encouragement to go places and do things we could never do apart from you. We can welcome all the moments of our lives by faith and know that we are not alone. We can grow in hope because your Spirit embraces and encourages us. We can love the others of our lives because your Love surrounds us, lifts us and cares for us. We can forgive because you forgive.
We recognize that you have called us to be your witnesses, your missionaries, your ambassadors wherever we go. As the early church spread the gospel in their day, as they went, may we have the courage and power of Spirit to do so in our day.
For those faithful believers who face great loss in the world when they share their faith, we pray for wisdom, guidance and protection. For missionaries and believers everywhere, who seek to serve among people who are hostile to the gospel, we pray for their safety and discernment to know when and how to share in such a way that the gospel is received and welcomed as the good news that it is.
It is good news that sinners can be forgiven. It is good news that God loves us and has come to us in Christ Jesus. It is good news that the Spirit of the Lord will guide us and lead us in abundant living—in service—in the nurture of our souls—now and forevermore. It is good news that gives us great joy! May our joy overcome our fear, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
