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For my fellow under-shepherds and their flocks, whom, by the grace of God, remain faithful friends to this day...
Beloved in Christ,
What follows is a prayer I penned on 9/11 with a passion I can only attribute to God's Spirit. As I read-and-ministered this prayer that same evening in Mooresville, NC, just one state away from the finish-line of our first cross-country prayerwalk, little did I know God would miraculously send us to New York just five weeks later, where He would have me lead an impromptu prayer meeting with the construction workers at Ground Zero, way past all the barricades, standing in a big circle on the still-smoldering center of the crater.
None of us will ever forget where we were on 9/11. Yet, as we come together to bow before our sovereign King in remembrance of this fateful day, it's not where we were that remains important, but where are we going...
(The following prayer has not been edited or revised from its original writing on 9/11.)
Our Prayer on September 11, 2001...
Merciful Heavenly Father,
In the stunned aftermath of today's events, we declare that You are good. Your mercy endures forever. Your ways are higher than our ways. We declare that Your Word is true; what our enemy meant for harm, You will use for good. You have not been caught off-guard by the headlines today---indeed, You make all things work together for good to those who love You, and are called according to Your purpose.
May the impact of today's events terrify the complacent into true repentance. May we, as your obedient children, respond to this illumination of the transcendence of mortal life by wholeheartedly embracing holiness at any cost...at any cost.
We ask for comfort to all those who mourn today. Every mother, every father, wife, husband, brother, sister, daughter, son, every friend---we ask for deliverance from the guilt of unresolved wounds, spoken and unspoken words, presumptions. May we, as Your Body, surround and serve those whose grief is inconceivable. May Your Presence fill the unfathomable void of a lost loved one. Employ us as a spiritual rescue crew---that eternal lives would be saved.
Speak clearly to our leaders, even our President. Bring those who govern us to a new depth of submission to Your Word and a greater inclination to Your voice, O Good Shepherd. By Your mercy, pour out wisdom and discernment to those whose decisions will shape the destiny of our nation.
Most of all, we ask that, in a sense, we would never recover. We don't want to return to "life as usual." How much blood need be spilled until we weep for the lost? How many orphans? How many widows? When will we take up our cross, and follow You? We beg You, don't let our heart return to the illusion of health that lulled us to sleep only yesterday. Change our heart O God. Allow it to break for Your Kingdom's sake.
The fields have never been riper for harvest. We pray for laborers---even ourselves. Give us a boldness to declare Your truth in the marketplace to a misled and dying world. Confirm Your Word with signs and wonders in our day-to-day lives. Breathe into Your Church a fresh wind of enthusiasm for the harvest and growth of disciples. Break down every dividing wall in Your Body. There is no time for such foolishness---there is too much at stake.
Revive us O Lord. Your Presence is our only hope.
Agreeing with you for revival at any cost,
---Tom & the Pentecost Walk Team
One quick update: Our last email/video message (dealing with the need to raise support before full-implementation of our next phase into 70 regions) enjoyed the highest readership (open rate) of any general-delivery message since Deanna's prayer-requests when I was hospitalized in 2008. Your attention is very encouraging; thank you! We are continuing full-speed-ahead as I continue my intensive training (feeling even stronger). Much to update you on in the days ahead...
Thank you for your continued prayer and support.
 To give a one-time or monthly gift of any amount, please go to our secure donation page. Thank you! For His harvest; for His glory, Tom & Deanna |
