DEVOTION

I first realized about ten years ago that I am a child of God, a beautiful creation, and that in him and through him, I am loved.

I was shown love by other believers before I was a Christian. Those acts of love drew me to be hungry for the Word and connection with others. Their prayers helped me to grow and find joy in faithfulness to God. The love shown to me led me to God and I relinquished myself to him.

These same believers who demonstrated God’s love to me taught me how to pray. To pray in unity, pray together, pray in silence. I also rested in the comfort of knowing that when I did not know how to pray, these believers prayed for me. I had no doubt they were lifting me up faithfully.

As a new believer, this was pivotal in my walk with Christ. Not only did I learn how powerful and important prayer is in my daily life, but I also learned how we should pray for each other and how prayer provides unity and trust.

I am reminded how the Apostle Paul prayed for the church and the believers. He thanked God for them often. He prayed for their wisdom and knowledge. He prayed for hope. Lastly, Paul prayed for peace and unity in their lives.

My brothers and sisters in Christ, like Paul, I want you to know I thank God for you. I thank God for the smiles on your faces as I walk down the church halls, for the many hours of volunteering you give each week, for your love and dedication to serving our community, and lastly, I thank God for the support you provide each other, in lifting each other up, and encouraging one another.

I thank God for this body of Christ.

I encourage you to reach out and ask someone–someone you know or someone you don’t know–how you can pray for them. Then, in that moment, pray with them. When you leave their presence, continue to pray for them in love.

Jenny Brown

Crossings 56 Director

jbrown@crossings.church