Prayer for Such a Time as This

The headlines are ominous. The nation is divided. Violence abounds. The innocent are harmed.

The majority of us are physically distant from all that we see in the news. So what can we do for those who are caught up in the midst of these events?

“We got to be better. And, as believers, we need to understand we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves. This kind of stuff should bother us.”—@michaelscarlton

There are a number of things, but I just wanted to send out a simple reminder to make sure we don’t overlook our need to pray.

Paul writes in Philippians 4:5-7:

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Prayer works for anxiety…it works for anger…it works for pain…it works for injustice.

It works because of who God is.

The nation needs this Peace, and it needs it now. Let’s pray for the leaders of our churches around the nation to live in the Peace of God. And let’s pray for them to be used by God to bring this Peace to the people of our nation. The church can lead during these times. Let’s pray they have the strength to do so.

This is a prayer for troubled times.

And it brings a peace worth pursuing.

Joining you in a prayer for Peace,

Dusty

A Call for Change

As widespread protests and civil unrest have gripped our nation, and the world, in the wake of the death of George Floyd and other, Church leaders and influencers, within our CDF Capital network, have spoken out on social media. Here is what a few of them have shared:

Michael S. Carlton, Lead Pastor of Bloom Church

“My heart’s really heavy with this, especially just weeks after Ahmaud gunned down by just jogging. I know not every police officer’s racist. I know not every white person is racist. But that doesn’t mean that

racism doesn’t exist. And it doesn’t mean, that as humanity, we can’t get better.

I’m a white male, middle-aged. I have no idea what it’s like to walk around with the fear that people are profiling me. I have no idea what it’s like to walk around knowing that there is prejudice against me. But I do know that people of minority, people of color walk around with that fear. We got to be better. And, as believers, we need to understand we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves. This kind of stuff should bother us. My heart grieves.”

Michael S. Carlton, Lead Pastor of Bloom Church

Miles McPherson, Senior Pastor of Rock Church

“There is gonna come a day when God's gonna call you to fight for  justice for someone in your out-group. The day is here. What’re you going to do? To my pastors and leaders, please have conversations with your congregation and leadership.”

Miles McPherson, Senior Pastor of Rock Church San Diego

Dr. Dharius Daniels, Lead Pastor of Change Church

“I don’t have an inspirational statement. I’m tired...I’m sad...I’m confused...#georgefloyd.”

Dr. Dharius Daniels, Founder & Lead Pastor of Change Church, Spiritual Leader, & Transformational Coach

Carey Nieuwhof, Leadership Author & Podcaster

 

“Running out of words. But not hope. This has to change. #GeorgeFloyd #icantbreathe.”

Carey Nieuwhof, Leadership Author & Podcaster

 

Aaron Brockett, Lead Pastor of Traders Point Christian Church

“Again?! Speak up. Stand with. #icantbreathe #georgefloyd. This matters...Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Proverbs 31:8”

Aaron Brockett, Lead Pastor of Traders Point Christian Church

Hosanna Wong, Bible Teacher & Spoken Word Artist

“Tonight, I pray the name of Jesus over our world. Jesus over racism. Jesus over hatred. Jesus over prejudice. Jesus over murder. George Floyd was his name. We grieve with his friends and family tonight. We must do better. We must listen better. We must love better. Jesus, we need you.”

Hosanna Wong, Bible Teacher & Spoken Word Artist

Steve Carter, Speaker, Pastor, & Author

“One primary word for breath in Hebrew is Neshama. Sometimes the word is Haneshama which means ‘the ones who have breath.’ If Haneshama are “the ones who have breath”—the ones who have life, Gods goodness and presence then what do you call the ones who have NO breath?”

Steven Carter, Speaker, Pastor, & Author

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