Things to pray for on day 111 of war in Ukraine.

 

There is malaise of madness which surrounds Mariupol and Severodenestk. The magnitude of pain and death being caused (in all its forms ... historical, cultural, relational, economic, psychological, physical), can paralyse us in knowing what to pray for. 

This is not a time for fatigue or escapism... it is a time to pray strategically for our brothers and sisters who face these things.

Suggestion for prayer: 

• a) For ourselves to learn and be fruitful in this
• b) For wider and specific issues for those in the battle. 
• c) That in all things the gospel will multiply in the lives of people.

Psalm 138:1-2

"I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted."

a) Firstly for ourselves:

 God has put us in this place at this time. We need to reflect on what he is teaching us and humbly come as an open book before him. Lord, help us learn from these days, to hear your word acutely and unreservedly,  and may you use this season for us to become more like you. Lord may we  love what you love and detest what you detest, and become more certified and confident in your leading over our lives.

God hears our deepest cries. With each new day of war, our hunger for the world to come under Christ (and his loving Lordship) increases.  A new day will come without sorrow, pain, mourning or death. This daily destruction and  illustration of what sin does to people (when we are unchecked and unhinged by our own pride) should make us weep about our own independence, waywardness and rebellion before God. The hard heartedness of those who continue to grow in brutality and inflict their hunger for hate on others, should prompt us to ask him to ask for his power and enabling to make us more pliable and teachable before him, Lord help us...soften our hearts, may you grow self control  in our lives in order that your Spirit might minister grace and healing through us to others.

b) Secondly we pray for those in the middle of the conflict.

Romans 12:15-18

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.  Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.[a] Never be wise in your own sight.  Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.  If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Comprehending what reality is like for those impacted moment by moment by persistent combat is very difficult. In every sense this is impossible to fully empathise with from a secure place where food, water, rest, safety and our loved ones are immediately to hand. 

Starting with gratitude is a good foundation for our prayers and intercession... 

Start by Praising God for the life and liberty we enjoy (by his grace not by our right) and asking him to help us use it well and not squander it. Praising God for unity between believers is also good, pray not only that this would be maintained in our lives but we would be instinctive and eager encourages of unity (Eph 4:3) . Treasure your new community family and privileges of fellowship. Many would do anything to have a normal Sunday or time of fellowship with their church family again (the old normal). 

 I have met not one person in the war who regrets not having watched more TV or tinkering with trivialities, War and death put life into perspective, and make the most of every minute of life lived.  Earthly homes are transitory not permanent. Those you love, and those who need to hear of eternal salvation are top of most priority lists for those who flee and suffer. Pray for those around you who saunter through life without God and in complacency assume that it will always be like this. 

Even for those Ukrainians who don't trust in Christ yet, there is an urgency to live for something greater than the mundane. Yes in chaos and catastrophic torment the mundane seems to be a relatively beautiful thing (a short break to drink tea and coffee with friends has become a beautiful oasis of escapist normality even near frontlines). However, the moment is soon interrupted as a shell whistles through the air, or a distant thud seems to have encroached nearer. In that wake up moment... activity counts more than comfort. In war, industry is instinctive. Lord wake us up to spiritual warfare also, and help us to walk instinctively by your command without complacency and laziness. Help us to be alert (1 Peter 5:8), and play our part as we face up to personal responsibility in the greatest battle. Lord, that hearts souls and lives might come and be anchored to the only one of eternal safety and refuge, and that he might work freely through us that they might also discover the one who brings all comfort. 

Without being able to give specifics on this site, please pray for the following in faith...

• 1. That those who minister in the crucible of the battle, know his supernatural enabling to minister to those in deep distress.
• 2. That those who run hubs of relief to the churches know his extraordinary provision in the overewhelming needs. 
• For Food, bed space and safety in travel for those displaced/ being retrieved.
• For stamina to compassionately counsel the unending stream of broken hearts. 
• For wisdom in stewardship of resources and counselling individuals / families about the next stages.
• For sustained unity as hubs work together to provide fellowship for traveling believers, and gospel witness to those asking big questions. 
• 3. For the army of workers who cook, run children's clubs, prepare clothes and work with governmental departments.
• That in times of intense busyness their capacity for people and compassionate care continues to treasure each individual in the name of Christ.
• That their own personal needs would be met to release them for long hours of ministry at this critical time.
• 4. For the strategic advance of the gospel in Western Ukraine. Many areas continue to  home multiplied populations as families seek a middle ground (between migrating Ukraine and maintaining contact with male family just inside the border.) In this instance believers have provided the network most helpful to many. Pray that contact and deep relationship borne in adversity will result in softened hearts to receive Christ, May this act intended for evil be used / instrumental for the eternal saving of many as they engage with Christ through his people.
• 5. Pray for many who have come to faith in the West and been baptised. 
• Discipleship: May they continue to grow in the faith with deep roots in God's word and be helped by healthy models of discipleship (life on life) help. 
• Displacement: May they find helpful fellowship (a vital local gospel church) as they move on or return to areas less contested,
• Gift growth: As they use all they have for their saviour, and serve with local believers may they grow in the new community, discovering spiritual gifts which help his people and minister his grace. Pray that there will be some solidity in this trajectory even when many other circumstantial things remain volatile.
• 6. Pray for those returning to areas where contested battle areas have left devastation and destruction. With sporadic air raids continuing, pray for their safety, mental wellbeing and spiritual perspective as they minister grace to others. The numbers of those returning continue to increase in some areas, pray therefore also for those in hubs who are encouraging and equipping the church to return in the power of Christ for new beginnings, 
• 7. Pray for key leaders who are displaced both in Ukraine and neighbouring countries. They said of Billy Bray the Cornish preacher, that if you tried to shut him up and tied him up inside a beer barrel, he would should hallelujah to Christ and preach through the bunghole. This intentionality to share the gospel is what I've seen with many friends.
• Pray for the displaced evangelists both throughout Ukraine and in neighbouring countries. May they reap rich fruit with displaced ex pats and with locals in new mission fields. Pray for those who have set up stalls, (baking, coffee, tea, aid, book giveaways etc), in order  to minister to the displaced and share with them the answer to their greatest need.  
• 8 Pray for all of us who continue to work in neighbouring countries. May aid be well administered, provision be maintained, new churches planted locally, women and children sheltered from harm, those with disabilities able to live a rich life and grow in their faith.
• 9. Pray for those pastors who have nowhere to lay their head, and continue a rolling brief each day. New every morning are his mercies... the faithfulness of God takes on a new dimension when your home is no more, and your ministry goes between several groups of displaced believers.  Pray that our hubs will continue to provide some anchor of stability, and that those in constant change will know the unchangeable nature of God guarding and keeping, shining his face upon them.
• 10. Pray for those persecuted in occupied territories. There is only one thing more hated than a Ukrainian by Russian authorities, one who furthers the new (non orthodox) community of grace in Christ. May their daily needs be supernaturally provided, may their capacity for insult be that of Christ himself. May the Spirit guard and keep, and even now may they know his supernatural fullness in their circumstances of emptiness. May strength be given in interrogation, grace be multiplied when betrayed, love boundless to their enemies and peace be given to those in mental torment and prolonged distress.

May Christ shine brightly through his people in the darkest of times.

May the migration of many by used for the multiplication in mission, and ultimate fruitfulness of the global mission of God.

Reflection in a manic world

 Proverbs 24:30-34

I passed by the field of a sluggard,

    by the vineyard of a man lacking sense,

31 

and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns;

    the ground was covered with nettles,

    and its stone wall was broken down.

32 

Then I saw and considered it;

    I looked and received instruction.

33 

A little sleep, a little slumber,

    a little folding of the hands to rest,

34 

and poverty will come upon you like a robber,

    and want like an armed man.

After engaging for 14 days with the detailed situations of 22 churches and many other unreached communities, I confess that my little brain had reached capacity. We had seen and heard so much, but what was most needed for others and me ? A prayer for wisdom is always wise, but is excessive activity the best environment to receive such wisdom in ? In the UK we've just had 4 days to celebrate the Queen's 70 year reign. Many folks chose to fill these days with bunting, booze, and bass at the "big bash". Many in my community regularly complain about the "busy life", and yet as soon as they have opportunity to rest they exhaust themselves in manic preparations with a desire to outdo each other in noisy celebration. If some of my neighbours put the same extreem effort and productivity into their jobs as they did their exterior decorations for special occasions, I speculate that the British economy would be in a better place. I would not consider my neighbours to be sluggards, far from it,  many would be in the category of "self starters", but sometimes what they choose to invest in is completely baffling to me.

 This morning the bunting is being taken away ("Bin day") and folks are back to "work". Was it worth it ? I guess the real issue is not a lack of industry but a lack of reflection which leads to wise living. I hope they gained some wisdom at least from considering the life of our Queen who follows Christ.

When it comes to the new community, I'm so grateful to all who tried to utilise the Queen's celebrations as a missional opportunity, I prayed very hard for you, I hope you were encouraged and it was fruitful. I fear however that oftentimes it is possible as believers that we can try too hard. I certainly think there are times when the pendulum swings and we synchronise too much with manic herd culture. This weekend was a great opportunity for many churches in the UK, but what has offset that busyness in your life and church, how did it fit in with the bigger missional program of the church ?

Seasons of intense activity are unavoidable if missional headway is to be made as we seek to make the most of every opportunity. However, the balance of the bible reminds us that seasons of reflection are also critical for every life lived wisely. 

In most countries I am currently serving or supporting, a high percentage of pastors are bi-vocational. This means that alongside family and the practical challenges of everyday domestic life, they carve out a (very modest) living to support their primary passion of taking Christ to those yet reached. Such friends must use their time exceptionally well to even function. God is blessing such faithful living, and what can be observed is far from the headless chicken routine. Instead we see a focussed life, which influences others for Christ in several contexts simultaneously, and models a pattern of life and service for many others to copy. A key component of this is the leaders' earmarked time for reflection. The busier you are, the higher the premium and benefit of time to reflect. Profitable parents and preachers reflect (however busy life gets), and days of rest or holidays increase capacity for days of challenge in ministry. Debriefing and de-stressing is a key component for longevity and sustainability in fruitful service for Christ. It is possible to see the wood for the trees. Those who are most productive know how to measure their moments.

OBSERVATION IS A KEY COMPONENT TO ALL BIBLICAL WISDOM.

Solomon spoke 3000 proverbs and sang 1005 wise songs. (1 Kings 4:32). Like David his father, every subject matter is observed before discussion (including the natural world of trees, plants reptiles and fish (1 Kings 4:31-34)). Reflection is not always without activity, observation can also be made at the busiest times. Observation itself can be hard work. Reflection does not need us to be a sluggard. Reflection can be our greatest next step to make progress. So why then are we so slow to sit down and take stock of life, and why is that particularly true of spiritual and missional leaders in our Western culture and church ?

For what it is worth I share 3 reflections:

1) We like our leaders to be seen to be busy. 

Busy eyes make blurry eyes. 

A basic observation of pastors and leaders conferences is that (in many cultures) a high percentage of leaders are activists. By this I mean that they are known as guys who "get things done", it is hard to get them to sit and not do. Default mode is planning, reading and speaking, not reflecting, observing and pondering. There could be many reasons for this including natural temperament, and the general intense demands of ministry in a pagan culture (UK). What concerns me most however is the observation that some feel guilty for taking time to reflect.  When a church community demands activity from a leader or makes them feel guilty for not accomplishing more, their increased activity will show diminishing returns and a lack of spiritual wisdom. Reflection is the first step in fruitful humble leadership, being one step ahead in submission with the mind and mission of God, to lead his people in a considered path of his choosing and his equipping. We know better how to pray, what to pray and the extent of our dependance when we have reflected humbly before God. Clear sight from compassionate eyes of grace and clarity to lead well are the payoffs for giving leaders freedom for reflection. 

2) Leaders like to be seen to be busy, but this is idolatry of self, egotistic and ultimately unproductive.

 If our chief identity, model and wisdom is in Christ, and our chief goal is to please him, we have security and contentment in his grip of grace regardless of what activity we are or are not involved in. We do not as leaders need to prove ourselves to him. He is the one who knew the worst about us but gave himself for us anyway. He calls us his children not his workforce, he cherishes our being more than our doing. He did not chose us because of our giftedness or prospective fruitfulness, he chose you and me because he is incomprehensibly full of love. Do not therefore have a life propelled by trying to please people, a bipolar ministry which just causes harm to others and yourself. Our goal is to please him (2 Tim 2:1-2).

 In a congregation of 100 people there will be 100 different expectations (and demands) on your time. If God blesses as you serve 1000 brothers and sisters, the unrealistic demands and expectations of people will not decrease. Be content in the one who sees all things and your heart as an open book. Set the missional and training agenda to pass on the gospel baton and stick to this prescribed priority with compassion, conviction and clarity. What are you doing to program refreshment for the army of faithful workers ? Such wisdom comes from the one who is with us, in and working through us to shepherd our families well, as we closely watch life and doctrine to be a model for others.

3) We mistake industry for productivity.  

Good farmers know that productive fields also need to be rested, and that ultimately it is God who gives the increase. Having many activities, ministries and mobilised to reach out to many subparts of unreached communities is so commendable, but sometimes there is a way to work smarter not harder. A lightbulb moment for many has come in training conferences when pastors have reflected with us on a local churches' strategy or diary for mission. Church life can be an uncompassionate hamster wheel for the conscientious and faithful army of grace. I've seen pastors completely broken and devastated by the realisation that they have broken their congregation by not realising this. Running your church family into the ground is not your calling.

Natural community contact, public proclamation, small group discussion and reaping events can work holistically and profitably together if considered and bathed in prayer. When these things work in harmony not dissonance, the church is energised not exhausted. 

There are many gifts in your congregation, for both sowing and reaping. Take the humility pill, model submission,  and admit that led well, set on a good trajectory,  the church could make massive missional progress without a lot of your involvement, and in fact it must be so if it is to be fruitfully mobilised and missionally scattered. When this trajectory is set our greatest role and investment is prayer and encouragement. 

Maybe I've disturbed a nest, and if so I hope that it has been a helpful disturbance. Either way I'd be keen to hear your considered reflections. Praying hard for productivity in the mission of God, in my life, in my family, in our churches, in our country and to the great masses of unreached peoples across our globe.  The clock ticks, eternity will irreversibly come soon for each of us. Lord teach us to observe and live well. 

• When have you programmed time for your next reflection ? 
• Will it be soon enough ?

EPHESIANS 5: 15-17

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,  making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 

NUMBERS 6:2

The Lord bless you

    and keep you;

25 

the Lord make his face shine on you

    and be gracious to you;

26 

the Lord turn his face toward you

    and give you peace.”