Praying for the Nations
by Earl Ann Bumpus on May 26, 2021 in Blog
As I was on our weekly Zoom prayer group meeting tonight, I realized how special it is that women from around the world are now able to meet, share concerns, and pray together because of technology. We regularly have women from Thailand, Vietnam, Laos (thank goodness we have a translator), and Puerto Rico. Joining from the US are women from Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Carolina, Texas, and California. To hear prayer concerns from around the world, I’m reminded that we all have similar struggles and concerns. By sharing, we grow closer together…not in distance but in our hearts.
While reading through the list of missionaries celebrating birthdays, I couldn’t help but wonder what each of them were doing today. I’ve heard how many of them save the difficult tasks for their birthday because so many people will be praying all over the world for them on “their” day. That is trusting in the power of prayer.
Concerns were raised over the hot spots of rising tensions around the world. One shared about a missionary family, already relocated for safety. I thought about their children and the emotions they must be experiencing. I thought about the parents praying and comforting their children while also praying for those to whom they minister.
Our devotion tonight was about being sure to always share Christ wherever we are. Moses didn’t want to be the one to lead the people out of captivity because he wasn’t a good speaker. God promised him in Exodus 4:12 “Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” That same God is with us today. He wants us to share wherever we go through our words and actions. God has called each one of us as Christ-followers to share…just like missionaries around the world.
A favorite song came to mind. I first heard Song for the Nations by Chris Christensen at a WMU of Texas event several years ago. It reminds us to:
Be a shining light
Bring a word of hope and life
Be a healing balm
Sing a song of joy and praise
All these things to the people of the earth, so Your Kingdom will come, Your will be done and the whole world knows that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Written by WMU of Texas President Earl Ann Bumpus