A CALL to PRAYER – Following Jesus from the Edges

Following Jesus From the Edges –

A CALL TO PRAYER

Pastor Calvin Cook

May 7, 2026

1 Timothy 2:1-4  I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Today is the National Day of Prayer. The National Day of Prayer website states” On April 17, 1952 a bill initiated by Mr. Conrad Hilton of Hilton Hotels and Senator Frank Carlson of Kansas was passed (Public Law 82-324, Sec. 119) that: The President shall set aside and proclaim a suitable day each year, other than a Sunday, as a National Day of Prayer, on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals.”

While preparing over the last couple of weeks for our own time of prayer within the community, I have been reminded and questioned a couple of thoughts on prayers.

One of the first being: Why do we have to have a day where we are reminded as a nation to pray. Do we forget the principles of our founding “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Certainly at the forefront of these thoughts has been what has prayer become? Just a litany of request to satisfy our own purposes and meet our own needs without consideration of what God is desiring of us. Begging me to ask the question constantly “What is God saying ?” “What are the desires of God’s heart for His people?” Are we even listening in prayer?

Is the scripture from Jeremiah 29:11 still fresh in our minds and hearts “”For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

This morning I’m brought to this place to hear our God calling us back to be people of prayer –

Praying in our private prayer room – where it is just me and God. Sharing with God my petitions – request – desires – frustrations – joys but at the same time listening as God speaks to me and guides me in the paths of righteousness.

Taking time once again as families to pray together, not just a quick prayer at holiday dinners but intentional times together praying and seeking God.

Praying over our communities, our businesses, our situations, our successes. Walking together, claiming our communities and neighborhoods for Jesus.

Praying against the spiritual forces of wickedness that has invaded our communities many times as a silent killer.

Not only praying for but praying with people. Not thinking that a Pastor or a church building is the only way and place prayers are fruitful. But pausing and praying with people as they share their burdens.

If we truly believe that Jesus is the only way, then our prayers should be for those who carry the message of hope to the hurting realizing that we are called to be missionaries of Jesus of going into world with the message of the one who died on the cross of Calvary for all of us.

Praying for a great revival of redemption to be lived out in all we do to every corner of the world. Knowing it starts where we who claim Christ are being a living example.

I know this all might seem exhaustive but today can be a start, a beginning, and it starts with each of us and our focus on talking and listening to God which is prayer.

So set aside your excuses, your limitations, your insecurities and step out today in prayer and be humbled by the amazing things that God will do.

In the name of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – Amen