man in blue crew neck t-shirt covering his face with his hand — Photo by Gracious Adebayo on Unsplash

Greetings!

Welcome to the 39th issue of The Aim and Soar Life, a weekly Christian personal growth and lifestyle newsletter that provides actionable, relatable, biblically rooted content to help you live abundantly and GROW YOU. GOD’S WAY.

Earlier this year, I wrote a post titled, “Keep Praying,” and then I followed up with “Keep Praying Part Two,” a short while later. I was prompted to write these posts due to the tragic events that had occurred in our country and across the globe. I wrestled with frustration and anger, and I was encompassed by a deep sense of sadness that affected me spiritually and emotionally.

This past week, we experienced at least two mass shootings in our country, and numerous accounts of domestic violence, child abuse, and other societal ills that left me feeling numb again.

I cried out to the Lord again asking, “Why so much wickedness in this world?”

But then I was reminded of the reason I was put here in the first place—to be salt and light. I am a disciple of Christ. I am a soldier in the army of the Lord. My first job is to pray, and then I am to act in whatever way God leads me.

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:13-16, NIV

I want to encourage you to keep praying.

As Christians, this must be our response to the evils of the world. It must be our response to sickness, divorce, wayward children, and economic uncertainty. It must be our response when life is going well and when life isn’t going so well.

God expects us to continually cry out to Him in prayer. He is counting on us to “stand in the gap” on behalf of others, praying for our world, our children, our leaders, and most of all the unsaved.

In addition, we cannot forget the saints in parts of the world where they risk their lives to worship and witness for Jesus Christ.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Ephesians 6:18

The world needs our prayers. If we don’t do it, who will? In the busyness of our lives, prayer for others must become as routine as brushing our teeth.

I don’t know about you, but if I don’t put my prayer list in a place where I can see it frequently, I am not as diligent about praying for others because I am human and I forget. I allow life to get in the way. So let us be more mindful by placing our prayer lists in prominent places or setting reminders to pray for others.

Our prayers shouldn’t only be motivated by tragedies and challenges but should be a way of life. There are people out there who still need salvation.

If we as Christians sometimes struggle with sadness and depression when we know God, think about how others who do not know God must feel. They are walking around with no hope and no sense of purpose. We must intercede in prayer for them and share the Gospel of Christ.

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2:1-4

Below is a prayer I wrote. Feel free to use it as a guide this week as you intercede in prayer for others.

Dear Father,

We thank You for your goodness and mercy.

We thank You for loving us when we do not deserve it.

Lord, the world is troubled.

There is wickedness and evil all around us.

Remind us that we are Your hands and feet, Lord.

With our mouths, let us lift Your name and pray for those who need healing, who need to know You in the pardon of their sins.

Let our hearts be open to pray for them daily.

Use our bodies to serve where we can.

Give us the strength to do what You have called us to do.

Touch each and every person, Lord, who is confused and scared.

Let them know that You are God.

Use me right now for Your good pleasure.

I am Yours.

In Jesus’ Name

Amen

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Until Next Time,

GROW YOU. GOD’S WAY.

Sherrhonda😍

P.S.

I’d LOVE for you to meet me on the web:

www.sherrhondadenice.com

email: sherrhonda@sherrhondadenice.com

The Aim and Soar Life

Keep Praying Part 3: Standing in the Gap with…