FGGAM is pleased to share the following information from Amy Parks with the National Day of Prayer! The below information (flyer) may be downloaded as a PDF by clicking HERE.
Mark 4:36-41 (NAS)
“Leaving the crowd, they took Him along with them in the boat, just as He was; and other boats were with Him. And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up. Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Hush, be still.” And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm. And He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They became very much afraid and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?”
Reflection
Every October we write a devotional or two about fear. It is always culturally and spiritually relevant, especially as Halloween decorations fill our neighborhoods and appear to get darker and scarier every year.
You have heard us say time and time again, “Every fruit has a root.” Good roots produce good fruit and rotten roots bear rotten fruit. The root of fear is a lack of faith.
In the verses above Jesus was sleeping through a storm while the disciples panicked, fearing they would perish. This is not to say that the circumstances were not concerning or even scary, but take a close look at how they approach Jesus for help, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” After all they have seen and heard, their cry for help seems to be lacking in many ways. Jesus’ response shows that He is more concerned with the storm inside them than the one that surrounds them.
Jesus rebuked the wind and sea and then he rebuked their wavering belief, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Ouch! In full transparency, I am not sure I would have gently shaken Jesus awake and calmly said, “Lord, You are awesome and able so would You please take care of us and get rid of this storm?” but I have learned over many years and many trials to pray and not panic. Prayer should always be our first response and not our last resort.
About the National Day of Prayer
The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the United States of America, evidenced by the Continental Congress’ proclamation in 1775 setting aside a day of prayer. In 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer and, in 1988, that law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May. The next National Day of Prayer is May 2, 2024.
How We Can Pray
Some of the significance of the story has been lost in our English translation as our Bible translates two different Greek words into one English word, “afraid.” In the original language Jesus asks them “Why are you timid?”(v. 40) and then they become terrified (v. 41). 2Timothy 1:7 reminds us, “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.”
Let this verse come to mind every time a “storm” springs up in your life. There are many things that tempt us to respond emotionally instead of spiritually and faithfully, our health, finances, family, future, work, wars, politics, and more. We must remember God’s faithfulness and respond according to His abilities and affection and not worse-case scenario what-ifs. Remember that God loves and cares for you, your family, and all that concerns you even more than you do.
Would you please pray with me now?
Lord Jesus, Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path and so we know that walking by faith is not stumbling around in the dark but walking on You shining steadfast path. We are secure in Your everlasting love. As Your children we know that You are for us, with us, never leaving us and so we are never weak, never the underdog, never alone. You are ALL powerful, ALL knowing, and All I need to succeed in the plans that You have lovingly prepared. Holy Spirit we choose to be strong and courageous, faithful not fearful as we submit to Your fruitful work in me and through me. I in wonderful, trustworthy, always faithful name of Jesus we pray, Amen!
Serving Him with gladness,
Kathy Branzell
President
LIGHT Your Path!
Please join us as we “Lift up the Word and Light Up the World.” Here is some LIGHT for your path as you walk by faith and dispel darkness and fear.
“Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” (Ps. 107:1)
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. (Ps. 139:17-18)
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,” (Eph. 3:20)
“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” (Ps. 55:22)
Please add your favorites to this list and be encouraged to repeat them in faith-filled prayer whenever fear comes knocking on your heart’s door.
November Pray For America Call
Join our monthly Pray For America call on Thursday, November 2nd at 8 p.m. ET as South Central National Area Leader Sarah Lowe leads our network in giving thanks and praying for our military. To join, call 667-770-1523 then type 4961322# to enter.
Urgent Prayer Response
We continue to pray through the reports coming out of Israel and Gaza, as our hearts break for our Israeli brothers and sisters, as well as Christians in the land and the shedding of innocent blood in Israel and Palestine. We invite you to join with fellow NDP intercessors in unified Day and Night Prayer for Israel. Text ISRAEL to 31401 to receive two prayer prompts each day, morning and night, throughout this war. Copy and share this call to prayer as you feel led to invite others to join in unified prayer.
Mobilizing Unified Public Prayer for America
National Day of Prayer Task Force | PO Box 64225, Colorado Springs, CO 80962