11/02/2020
DISTRICT CALL TO PRAYER FOR OUR NATION
The election is two days away. As you may have heard, the NorCal District has designated today, Sunday, Nov. 1, as a Day of Prayer for the 92 congregations that belong to our district family.
Many have been praying for the outcome of this election. However, what kind of people we will be on Nov. 4 is equally if not more important. As followers of Jesus, our hope is in Christ and our citizenship is in heaven. We are called to be peacemakers and have been given the ministry of reconciliation.
In an article published on Friday by Time Magazine, Pastor Andy Stanley wrote:
"Your political candidate will win or lose based on how American citizens vote on a Tuesday in November. But the church wins or loses, the community wins or loses - and in some way. our nation wins or loses - based on how Christians love each other.
"I have two suggestions for Christians during the days before and after this election. First, pray like Jesus prayed. Let’s pray for oneness among Christians. Second, find a way to love someone with whom you disagree politically. Listen, learn and love unconditionally.
"If you’re thinking, 'Well, I don’t even know anybody I disagree with politically,' that’s a problem. Can I push a little bit? Maybe that’s why you’re so convinced you’re right. If you’re thinking, 'I can’t understand how anybody could believe that,' then you just made a confession. There’s something you don’t understand, and you can seek understanding. I invite you to seek out an opportunity to unconditionally love someone with whom you disagree politically.
"Christians can disagree politically, but we must love unconditionally and pray for unity. Fear should not fuel our actions. Love is the power we need, and love must fuel both our conversations and choices. The gospel will spread just as Jesus intended when we, Christians across America, are willing to humble ourselves and seek unity in love."
Friends, please join us in prayer for our nation today. If we have been careless with our words and witness and harmed our neighbors, let us repent and ask the Lord to soften our hearts. May we clothe ourselves in humility, kindness, grace, and love in the days to come.
https://time.com/5905783/christians-election-2020