January 3

Global Prayer Time

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth (3 John 4).

Scripture: 3 John 2-8

Song: “Hold Us Together”

Housework can feel discouragingly mundane. Vacuuming, dusting, and cooking dinner don’t have an impact on history or affect change across the globe. But every month or so the mail brings me a magazine about Christian believers around the world. Some of the news stories bring sorrow for the hardships my brothers and sisters are facing. But all of them bring joy for the ways God is working to strengthen and expand His kingdom: the child from Mongolia who receives life-saving medical treatment; the couple in the United States whose marriage is saved; the church leader in Africa who praises God even as he stands in the rubble of his bombed-out church.

It brings me joy to hear that my brothers and sisters are faithful to the truth. They encourage me to be faithful as well and to praise God for what He is doing in their lives and in my own. I may be in my kitchen in Delaware, yet I feel connected to God’s children all over the world. I can’t be there with them, but I can send them financial support, I can rejoice with them in God’s faithfulness, and most importantly I can pray for them, knowing that prayer to our Holy God is never mundane.

Heavenly Father, bless Your children who are walking in the truth. May they prosper and be in good health even as their souls prosper. Thank You for expanding and strengthening Your kingdom around the world. In Jesus’ name, amen.