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Weekly Devotional 031323

In the Gap

by Jane Josephs

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name…” –Matthew 6:9

I recently started watching a hospital drama on TV in the evenings. In one episode, a doctor is lying unconscious on a table while his wife nearby laments, “I don’t know how to pray. I’m not religious…but I wish I knew how to pray…” Her words broke my heart.

Praying comes naturally to me, in good and bad times. But I’ve read the statistics, as I’m sure you have, about the “nones” and “dones.” The “nones” have no religious affiliation and the “dones” have opted out of church attendance. The number of American adults identifying as Christians is down to sixty-three percent. So, where can people who have no foundation of faith or connection to Christian fellowship turn when trouble comes? As it surely will.

Have you ever heard the phrase, “stand in the gap?” It comes from the book of Ezekiel. God, through the prophet, is sharing His heart for those who need an advocate in times of trouble, saying, “I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before me…” (Ez. 22:30)

We who have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior are those people, prayer warriors on the wall who stand in the gap and advocate for those in need; we’re intercessors for those who wish they knew how to pray. It only takes a little bit of courage to offer, “I’ll pray for you,” when we hear of a need. But oh, how sweet the reward, when that prayer is answered and we’re able to share about our relationship with the One who heard and heeded. It may be the only witness needed to turn the “none” to faith and the “done” back to fellowship. Will you say “yes” and stand in the gap with me?

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of standing in the gap for those who are confused, scared, and hurting. Please help me be a witness to Your loving kindness and mercy so that those who are far from You will turn and embrace Your great gift of redemption. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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