21 Days of Moving Toward Godنموونە

Day 16: Prayer Unites

It’s easy to get discouraged when thinking about the times we live in. The news displays the lies and corruption emerging every day. It can leave our hearts breaking and us questioning, “What now?” or “How do we repair the damage done?”

The early disciples also struggled with division. It was one thing when Jesus was present and mediating between them, but after He ascended, there had to be commotion regarding who was truly loyal. Peter, named “the rock,” was firm and resolute, but when Christ was arrested and near death, Peter denied ever even having known Him. James and John were continually vying for a position of authority over the other disciples, which certainly hadn’t gone unnoticed. Then, of course, we have Judas who betrayed them all for money. How could anyone expect to come back to a place of trust or find unity again after so many deceptions? Jesus gave them the answer—to pray.

You may recall the fear that gripped the disciples in the days following Jesus’ crucifixion, before His ascension. Like us, the disciples could only see in part, so His death made no sense. They were confused, divided, afraid, and probably asking the same question we are, “What now?” Then Jesus appears to them and says that He is sending His Holy Spirit—He even tells them that it is better this way! How do the disciples prepare for this gift of the Holy Spirit? Prayer. Truly we watch a transformation happen as the disciples rally together in the upper room. Prayer unified the disciples. It’s natural to feel distrustful or cynical. The surest way back to unity, healing and reparation is prayer. As you sense division in your relationships, in our nation, and around the world, pray for unity.

When we move, restoration happens.

–Pastor Julie Mullins