For some, it is far easier loving those far from us, than those around us. At times, the people who challenge me the most are my immediate family and friends. After all, they know all my weaknesses and flaws and are the ones that are often around when, for one reason or another, I am frustrated or irritable. In short, they bear the brunt of my less admirable moments.
How much easier is it to love the mass of people suffering in Africa. Yet this love can often be generic and somewhat shallow. What is the love I feel? A general warmth. A hope for their well-being? A sense of obligation to love them, because of their situation? Or a duty that makes me feel better about my life as a Christian? That it is a Christian thing to do.
Depending on my mood, any or all of the above may well be true. Yet praying for Africa can become awash with mixed feelings and tepid emotions with these as the foundations for prayer.
We are called to love others as God loves them and here is where inspiration can be found. Prayer is useful, yet why not try asking for God’s love for the people you pray for. Ask Him and then wait. When I am disciplined enough to do this, then I can often be moved to tears. The heart of God for these people is enormous and is too much for the human heart to bear. Yet He will often share a small part of it with you. After that, you are ready to pray. With a fervour and ardour unmatched. I feel that this is the heart of effective prayer. Invoking His Spirit to guide your heart and your prayers. Aligning your whole being on behalf of those in need. This is truly loving your neighbour – even if that neighbour is a continent away.
In today’s prayer I urge you to let God guide your prayer for East Africa.
Bible Passage
Colossians 3: 12-17
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.