Better Words, Better Actions: PraiseLive's 30 Day DevotionalSample

By Rob Hoskins, President of OneHope

I was compelled to intercede for the community like never before during the COVID-19 pandemic. Not knowing the specific needs that needed covering, I followed the good Word from 2 Corinthians 4:18.

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (NIV)

I began to pray for the unseen needs of people, covering the suffering I may never see but undoubtedly is taking place in the deep, secret places of a person’s heart. 

Praying for the “unseen” has awakened me to a more profound sense of community. God has burdened me anew with spiritual concern for my neighbors--to live in their midst, care about what they care about, and pray for their unspoken struggles.

“Prayer should not be regarded as a duty which must be performed, but rather as a privilege to be enjoyed, a rare delight that is always revealing some new beauty.” – E.M. Bounds

Reflection:

How often do you pray for the “unseen” needs of your neighbors, and how can you increase your depth of notice and care for those around you?

Praise + Prayer:

Lord, I praise you for promising to be with us always, even “to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Father, I ask you to give me your eyes to see what you see and develop a deep love and spiritual concern for excellent neighbors and everyone you have placed in my geographical sphere. Help me to humble myself and grant the people around me a higher level of priority.

Action Item:

As you pray for the people in your community, be sure to focus on essential workers. Write and deliver five notes letting essential workers know you are praying for them. Essential workers are in the fields of transportation/delivery, gas station & grocery store, health care, police officer/firefighter/emergency services, government/community, food/agriculture, facilities/cleaning, banking, etc.