Day 9 of "27-Day Prayer & Fasting Journey" with Rev. Gordon Edwards

Greetings in the name of Christ.  

My name is Gordon Edwards and I am the Presiding Elder of the New York City and New Jersey district(s) in the Northeast Conference of the Global Methodist Church. Welcome to Day 9 of 27 Days of Prayer as we prepare for our Annual Conference gathering on May 8-10 in Cortland, NY.

The one church of the New York City and New Jersey district(s) is located in the Bronx area of New York City in the State of New York. What I love about our district is our passion to plant new Global Methodist Churches in New York City and the Metro New Jersey areas. We are passionate about making disciples of Jesus Christ, providing the safe space in which people can come to a saving knowledge and faith in Jesus Christ. We are preparing ourselves to multiply disciples and plant four congregations in New York City - two in the Bronx (one in Queens and one in Island Park), and two in Northern New Jersey. Presently Our only church is Westchester Methodist Church in the Bronx, NY. 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 City and New Jersey district(s) 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 Numbers 21:4-9: 

4 They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; 5 they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!”

6 Then the Lord sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. 7 The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.

8 The Lord said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” 9 So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived.

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

Today’s Prayer Focus

Moses prayed for the people who sinned by complaining against the Lord. He offered to them what the Lord said to provide – a bronze snake on a pole, lifted up high. Those who looked on it would live. Center your prayers this day on the support staff and volunteers who will serve in various capacities at Annual Conference, including hospitality, media, prayer, tech and worship. There will inevitably be hiccups in this process of being in community together, and some will complain. Pray for patience for all, and pray that all stay focused on Jesus, lifted high on a cross.

Today’s Suggested Prayer

O God, you created each of us in your image,
and your Spirit gives to each the gifts necessary
for the building up of your Body.
We give you thanks for the staff and the volunteers
who will use their gifts to serve your people at Annual Conference.
When events go awry in our time together,
give patience to them and to those they serve.
When things go well,
give us all a heart of gratitude for your gracious hand of blessing,
and for the simple acts of kindness we offer to each other.
This we ask in Jesus’ name. 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.