As this newsletter is published on October 1, 2020, there are so many issues facing us in America today that it’s hard to even know where to start. The COVID-19 crisis, the economic recession, resurfacing racial tension, the political divide, and the upcoming national election are only to name a few. So, what can we do as individuals and as the Imagine Church family? The old mariner’s saying, “The ocean is so vast, and my boat is so small”, seems all-too-true.
However, there is something we can do. It’s both simple and powerful, easy to do yet pervasive in its influence. What can we do? We can pray. God prompted Amy Davis to take the idea to her pastor who is now sharing it with the entire Imagine family, and it begins today. Each day during the month of October, from today through Saturday, October 31, we are asking each of us — the entire church family — to stop what you’re doing at 11:11 a.m. and pray. We would like for all of us to lift our prayers to God at the same time each day. Okay, if you’re in an important meeting and can’t pray exactly at 11:11, we understand. But stop and pray as soon as your meeting ends.
What should we pray for? Our nation. The election. That COVID-19 ends or that a vaccine is developed. Job loss. The plight of African Americans and other minorities. Healing. Unity. Our Imagine Church family. The upcoming building program. When to resume indoor worship. You name it; the list is endless.
Why pray at 11:11? It’s an example of synchronicity, just as is our praying together as an entire church family. What will it accomplish? There are lots of Scriptural examples of the effect from large numbers of people praying at the same time. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will heal their land.” What will it do for us? It will bring us the peace of God which surpasses all understanding. That’s the result of staying on your knees before God until you’ve dealt with whatever it is that’s driving you crazy. We pray until we experience the peace of God.
Our Church Administrator, Kari DiDonato, publishes this newsletter each Thursday morning around 10:00. Today just happens to be October 1. Why not pause today at 11:11 a.m. and pray. Pray about whatever is on your heart. Set the alarm on your phone or watch, and do it again tomorrow. And the next day. And the next. God may choose to work in a new way in the life of our nation. But I can promise you: you will begin to experience the peace of God which surpasses all human understanding — and that alone will let you know that everything will ultimately be all right.
In the name of the One who can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,
Bruce Jones, Pastor and Co-Creator,
Imagine Church of the Carolinas
