Day 14 of "27-Day Prayer & Fasting Journey" with Rev. Matt Rowe

Greetings in the name of Christ.

My name is Matt Rowe, and I am the Presiding Elder of the New York Elmira District in the Northeast Conference of the Global Methodist Church. Welcome to Day 14 of 27 Days of Prayer as we prepare for our Annual Conference gathering on May 8-10 in Cortland, NY.

The eight churches of the New York Elmira District are located in the southern, central part of the state of New York. What I love about our district is that all of our churches, no matter their size, come to the Global Methodist Church with a deep, bold commitment to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with their communities. They are led by pastors who are deeply committed to God’s Word, and to loving their people well. 

Our churches are Avoca Methodist Church, Caton Methodist Church, Cuba Methodist Church, Germany Hill Church, Hammondsport Methodist Church, Jenksville Methodist Church, McKendree Church, and Mitchellsville Methodist Church. Pray for us today, that we would faithfully live into our shared mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ and to spread scriptural holiness across the globe. 

We in the New York Elmira District are eager to see many of you at Annual Conference in May. We encourage you to use these days of preparation to hear God’s Word and pray with us as we prepare to fan the flame that the Holy Spirit has kindled in us all.

Here is today’s focus Scripture passage from Acts 16:25-34:

25  About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.  26  Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.  27  The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped.  28  But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”

29  The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.  30  He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

31  They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”  32  Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house.  33  At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized.  34  The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.

This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Today’s Prayer Focus

Paul is in prison, yet is praying and singing. Other prisoners were listening. When an earthquake opens the doors and loosens the chains, it seems a God-given opportunity to be free. Yet, Paul does not escape. The open door he seeks is one through which the message of Christ may freely pass. Paul, instead, sets the jailer free, baptizing him and all his household. Center your prayers this day on those who dare to boldly witness to Christ, regardless of their personal circumstances. Pray for God to use the unique circumstances of every person in the Northeast Annual Conference as a platform from which to stand and clearly proclaim the Gospel.

Today’s Suggested Prayer

Almighty and everlasting God,
we thank you for the testimony of the Apostles,
and for all the unnamed saints and martyrs
who now surround us as a great cloud of witnesses.
You called them to preach the Gospel,
and gave them power to be your witnesses to the ends of the earth.
They have handed down to us this precious legacy of faith.
Renew in us that ancient call,
and give us the hope of Paul,
that even in prison, doors for your Truth may be opened.
Grant us again the power of the Holy Spirit,
that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ,
boldly, clearly, and gladly.
We ask this through Christ, our risen Lord
who by his resurrection broke the chains of death,
and set the prisoners free. Amen.

You can find this prayer, and all the other prayers of the 27 Days, on the Conference website, northeastgmc.org.

May the Lord richly bless your faithful prayers. Amen.