Livestream our Prayer of Hope Drive-in Meeting
June 4th Prayer Meeting Agenda
Executive Pastor Larry Howard: Introduction and Instructions
PRAY THAT GOD WOULD HEAR THE CRIES OF HIS PEOPLE TONIGHT
Elder Chuck Latibeaudiere: Prayer for the Floyd Family
Grieving: 1 Corinthians 15:54-58, “When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’ ‘O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
Justice: Psalms 82:2-4, “’How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked?’ Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
PRAY THAT GOD WOULD GIVE THE FAMILY HOPE THAT DEATH HAS BEEN DEFEATED.
PRAY THAT GOD WOULD BRING JUSTICE ON THIS CASE.
Elder Edwin Chandra: Prayer for the police officers involved in George Floyd’s death that God would save them
Paul’s reflection on his conversion: 1 Timothy 1:12-15, “I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.”
PRAY THAT GOD WOULD CONVICT THESE OFFICERS OF THEIR SIN, AND THAT THEY WOULD ASK FOR FORGIVENESS.
Elder Tim Vahlstrom: Prayer for demonstrations to be peaceful and successful
Peaceful: 1 Peter 3:8-9, 13-14, “8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing… 13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled.”
Successful: Jeremiah 29:7, “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”
PRAY THAT GOD WILL PROTECT DEMONSTRATORS, BUSINESSES, HOMES, AND POLICE OFFICERS.
PRAY THAT GOD WILL CAUSE LASTING CHANGE TO TAKE PLACE.
Lead Pastor Paul Crandell: Prayer for wisdom that leads toward unity in our nation
Listen and Lead: James 3:13-18, “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
PRAY THAT GOD WOULD GRANT WISDOM ON ALL LEVELS TO BRING UNITY AND THE CELEBRATION OF DIVERSITY IN OUR NATION.
Elder Chuck Latibeaudiere shares a biblical response to racial injustice and the killing of George Floyd.
Watch the video or read the full text below:
What Would Christ Have Us Do?
God loves people of all races. Christ died for people of all races. We are commanded to love people of all races. It is painfully apparent that some in our society fail to see these truths. In light of that, and because of the chaos in our country following the taking of George Floyd’s life. I, along with the leadership of Valley Bible Church, feel that we need to make a statement at this time, about what would be a reasonable response for a follower of Christ.
The apostle Paul wrote an epistle to Titus, giving him instructions about how to deal with the church on the island of Crete. The people of Crete in the first century were thought to be lacking in direction. In my opinion, Paul’s instructions from 2000 years ago seem strangely appropriate for the United States today. In chapter 3, verses one and two, of his letter Paul wrote: “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.”
I am a 69 years old male citizen of the United States. I was born in Jamaica of African descent, but I have lived in the United States for over 50 years. Over those 50 years, I have experienced my share of racial discrimination, but as I watched the video of the demise of George Floyd, I experienced shock, sadness, and anger like I cannot remember feeling before. I imagine that many of you, whether you are of color or not, are feeling the same way that I am feeling.
Over the last 4 days, in addition to the initial shock, sadness, and anger, I have been experiencing growing frustration and even rage. Frustration, because as a nation we seem to be making the same mistakes, repeatedly. (Reminiscent of old testament Israel in its relationship with Jehovah). Rage, because the value of my life, and the lives of people who look like me, seem to be diminishing! What keeps me from responding in my human nature, is my faith and belief in the goodness and grace of my heavenly Father. I know that God brought those 2 verses from Titus 3 to my attention at just this time, to keep me walking in obedience and maybe to encourage my brothers and sisters to turn to our God for answers and to trust that, the battle is the Lord’s!
I did not know George Floyd, but I know that he was an image-bearer of our God. He did not deserve to die the way he did. My anger, I believe, is justified! But the Holy Spirit reminds me that, in my anger, my Lord would not want me to sin. The police officer who snuffed out George’s life by kneeling on his neck for over 9 minutes, and the three officers who condoned their associate’s actions by their silence and inaction, are also image-bearers of our God, but they allowed themselves to be instruments of Satan. In my human nature, I want them to pay the price for their sin, but then The Holy Spirit convicts me that I should be praying for their salvation and that God would be as merciful to them as He has been to me! (I feel like Jonah who did not want to go to Nineveh!)
To anyone who has listened this far, I encourage you to, in your response to the evil we are experiencing, do only those things which would bring glory to our heavenly Father, only what would allow our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to receive honor and praise!
I urge you to share your heart with our heavenly Father. Share what you are feeling with those close to you. Talk about what you see wrong and what you would like to see done about it with anyone who will listen to you. Share your opinion with decision-makers to whom you have access. Protest, peacefully and legally, if you are so inclined. VOTE! And, keep doing these things until the change you desire is accomplished.
Above all, remember that this is temporary. This is not our home and Christ is coming again! In the meantime:
- be submissive to rulers and authorities,
- walk in obedience,
- be ready for every good work,
- speak evil of no one,
- avoid quarreling,
- be gentle, and
- show perfect courtesy toward all people.
May we all love each other more deeply and seek justice for each other more passionately. Thank you.
Chuck Latibeaudiere, Elder
