SPIRIT ABLAZE: A podcast of the Northeast GMC
Weekly devotionals, current news of the Northeast Conference, and conversations with those who lead with a servant’s heart.
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Episodes
Wednesday Apr 23, 2025
Wednesday Apr 23, 2025
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 martyrswho 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 Lordwho 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.
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
Greetings in the name of Christ.
My name is David Cooke and I am the Presiding Elder of the New York Chautauqua district in the Northeast Conference of the Global Methodist Church. Welcome to Day 13 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 Chautauqua district are located in the western part of the state of New York. What I love about our district is we have lakes and natural beauty in every direction. To our east we have Chautauqua Lake, to the west we have Lake Erie, and right in my own town we have Findley Lake. I am thankful to serve alongside our pastors and churches in western New York who are passionate about the gospel and living for Jesus in our part of the conference.
Our churches are my own church, Findley Lake Church, Panama Methodist Church, the Clymer and North Clymer Community Churches, Community Church of Dewittville, Laona Methodist Church, North Harmony Methodist Church, and Wheeler Hill Community 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 Chautauqua 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 Isaiah 6:1-8:
1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”
4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.
5 “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”
6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”
8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Today’s Prayer Focus
When Isaiah sees the LORD Almighty in all his glory, he trembles as much as the temple is shaken. In the presence of the holy, Isaiah is suddenly aware of his uncleanness. Yet, touched by the fire of sacrifice, his sin is atoned for. His guilt removed, Isaiah is now eager to be sent. Center your prayers this day on the delegates who will be elected to represent the Northeast Annual Conference at the 2026 General Conference in Africa. These delegates will be entrusted with charting the great future of the Global Methodist Church. Pray that they, like Isaiah, would be humble enough to recognize their own flaws, and willing enough to be sent.
Today’s Suggested Prayer
God, Lord of lords, King of kings,those who are with you are called and chosen and faithful.Call forth now those who will stand with youand represent us as delegates to General Conference in Africa.Let those chosen to serve in this capacityseek first your honor and glory,setting aside every prideful impulse,sitting humbly before your throne,and seeking always your guidance and blessing.Assuage the disappointment of those who will not be chosen in this seasonby calling each to places of service that align with your willfor their lives and for the good of your Church.We ask this through Christ, the head of the Body, the Church. 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.
Monday Apr 21, 2025
Monday Apr 21, 2025
Greetings in the name of Christ.
My name is Katie Zettle and I am the Presiding Elder of the New York Buffalo district in the Northeast Conference of the Global Methodist Church. Welcome to Day 12 of 27 Days of Prayer as we prepare for our Annual Conference gathering on May 8-10 in Cortland, NY.
The 9 churches of the New York Buffalo district are located in the Western part of the state of New York. What I love about our district is the water that surrounds us from Lake Ontario to the Buffalo River and Lake Erie all the way to the Mighty Niagara Falls. The water is reminder of the beauty of God’s creation and the connection to living, moving water. Our churches and their pastors are seeking to live into the Global Methodist Church through providing spiritual hope and renewed passion in proclaiming Christ’s Living water through worship, prayer, small groups and ministries in each community, in the country and the world. We are people who are intentionally seeking to become more Christ-like, by the power of the Holy Spirit transforming us in our daily living for the Glory of God and the gain of one more person reached with Good News of Jesus as we build the Kingdom of God.
Our churches are:
Alabama-Basom GMC,
Clarence GMC,
Darien Disciple GMC,
Exley Community Church.
Following Jesus at Harris Hill,
Hartland Corners Methodist Church,
Indian Falls GMC,
Olcott Beach Church,
Tonawanda GMC.
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 Buffalo 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 Luke 24:28-35:
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Today’s Prayer Focus
The two disciples on the road to Emmaus encounter the risen Lord, but do not recognize him. Only when Jesus is at the table with them, and the bread is broken, are their eyes opened. The power of a shared meal is often underappreciated. At Annual Conference there will be many opportunities for friends, and strangers, to share a meal together. Center your prayers today on those fellowship opportunities, that eyes will be opened for all to recognize in each other the face of Christ.
Today’s Suggested Prayer (The Worship Sourcebook, © 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources, N.1.4.14, p. 635, alt.)
Stay with us, Blessed Stranger, for the day is far spent,and we have not recognized your facein each of our brothers and sisters.Stay with us, Blessed Stranger, for the day is far spent,and we have not yet shared your bread in gracewith our brothers and sisters.Stay with us, Blessed Stranger, for the day is far spent,and we have not listened to your Wordin the words of our brothers and sisters.Stay with us, Blessed Stranger, because our very nightbecomes day when you are there. 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.
Sunday Apr 20, 2025
Sunday Apr 20, 2025
Greetings in the name of Christ Jesus ! HE IS RISEN ! I hope you are having a blessed Resurrection Sunday.
My name is Dan Fuller and I am the Presiding Elder of the New York Binghamton district in the Northeast Conference of the Global Methodist Church. Welcome to Day 11 of 27 Days of Prayer as we prepare for our Annual Conference gathering on May 8-10 in Cortland, NY.
The nine churches of the New York Binghamton district are located in the Southern Tier of the state of New York. This is an area of rolling hills and river valleys near the Catskill Mountains. Something I love about our district is that our area has a wonderful history and heritage of vibrant, biblical, and evangelical Christian faith - Methodist and otherwise.
Our churches are:
▪ Christ’s Church in the Valley
▪ Conklin Forks Methodist Church
▪ First Methodist Church of Campville
▪ Gibson Corners Methodist Church
▪ Hawleyton Methodist Church
▪ New Hope Methodist
▪ Union Center Methodist Church
▪ Wesley Methodist Church
▪ Whittemore Hill Global 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 Binghamton 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 Matthew 28:1-10:
1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Today’s Prayer Focus
The two Marys went to the tomb at dawn on that first Easter Sunday not expecting a bright day. They came simply to look at the place where the body of Jesus lay in darkness. The angel’s proclamation, and the witness of the empty tomb, is accompanied by a command to “go quickly and tell.” The women hurry away, “afraid, yet filled with joy.” Center your prayers this day on becoming a person of faith, one who hurries to tell others the good news.
Today’s Suggested Prayer (Easter Prayer from The Book of Worship for church and Home, Copyright © 1944, The Methodist Publishing House, p. 177, alt.)
Almighty and everlasting God,who turned the despair of the disciples into triumphby the resurrection of Christ;give us faith to believe that every good which seemed to be overcome by eviland every love which seemed to be buried in darkness and death,shall rise again to life immortal.Through Jesus Christ, who lives with you forevermore. 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.
Saturday Apr 19, 2025
Saturday Apr 19, 2025
Greetings in the name of Christ.
My name is Penny Brink and I am the Presiding Elder of the New York Adirondack district in the Northeast Conference of the Global Methodist Church. Welcome to Day 10 of 27 Days of Prayer as we prepare for our Annual Conference gathering on May 8-10 in Cortland, NY.
The seven churches of the New York Adirondack district are located in the Northeastern part of the state of NEW YORK. What I love about our district is that we are located near and within the beautiful Adirondack Mountains, with all of their pristine lakes and mountain trails. Our churches are Amsterdam Methodist Church, Malta Ridge Methodist Church, Fortsville Methodist Church, Maplewood Parkway Methodist Church, Lake George Community Methodist Church, Wells Methodist Church and Mountain Community 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 Adirondack 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 Romans 8:26-27:
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what weought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordlessgroans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because theSpirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Today’s Prayer Focus
Despite all of our focus and all of our specificity in prayer, on this side of full redemption we often don’t know what we ought to pray for. We are unable to see through the present darkness into the reality of God’s future. Thankfully, the Spirit intercedes, carrying our trust in God to fruitfulness in prayer despite our weakness. Center your prayers this day on God’s will for the Northeast Annual Conference and for the Global Methodist Church, however unclear it may be.
Today’s Suggested Prayer
O Holy Spirit, our Advocate and our Guide,intercede for us in our weakness now.With the Apostle Paul, we see through the glass darkly;the way forward for your people is not always clear.Take from us our hopes for the Global Methodist Church,as well as our fears.We want our dreams for this new denominationto align with the will of God,and our worriesto have no part in the divine plan.We trust in you to use the fervency of our yearning to do God’s will,to cover over any weakness we have in discerning it.Reveal to us only that which is necessary for us to carry out your plans,and grant us faith to know that you intercede for useven where we know not.We ask this in the name of Christ,who promised us you would come. 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.
Friday Apr 18, 2025
Friday Apr 18, 2025
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 necessaryfor the building up of your Body.We give you thanks for the staff and the volunteerswho 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.
Thursday Apr 17, 2025
Thursday Apr 17, 2025
Greetings in the name of Christ.
My name is Joseph Saunders and I am the Presiding Elder of the New England South and New England West district(s) in the Northeast Conference of the Global Methodist Church. Welcome to Day 8 of 27 Days of Prayer as we prepare for our Annual Conference gathering on May 8-10 in Cortland, NY.
The 6 churches of the New England South and New England West district(s) are located in 4 state(s). Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. What I love about our districts are their rich historical histories of the Great Awakenings and other revivals, and the passion of these people currently in these churches within the Global Methodist Church to see it happen again.
Our churches are the Bakerville Church in Bakerville, CT, Christ Gobal Methodist Church in Lawrence, MA, Hillsboro Methodist Church in Hillsboro, NH, Exeter Methodist Church in Exeter, NH, Lyndonville Methodist Church in Lyndonville, VT, and our newest Church is the New Star Church of Jesus Christ in Willington, CT. 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 England South and New England West 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 Matthew 26:36-41:
36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” 39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” 40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Today’s Prayer Focus
In the darkness of the Gethsemane hours, Jesus confesses his soul is overwhelmed. If a way other than the cross was possible, Jesus asked his Father for it. “Yet not as I will,” Jesus said to his Father, “but as you will.” Center your prayers this day on God’s will for your life. Ask the Holy Spirit to not only discern what God’s will is for you, but also for the resolve and the strength to do it. The spirit may be willing, but the flesh is weak.
Today’s Suggested Prayer (A Prayer for Service, from Our Great Redeemer’s Praise, Copyright © 2022 by Seedbed. #708.)
Govern everything by your wisdom, O Lord,so that my soul may always be serving youin the way you willand not as I choose.Let me die to myselfso that I may serve you;let me live to youwho are life itself. Amen.~ St. Teresa of Avila
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.
Thursday Apr 17, 2025
Thursday Apr 17, 2025
Don't just celebrate Easter, live it! Join Rev. Steven Taylor in today's devotional as he encourages you to not rush through Holy Week but to be fully present in every powerful moment.
"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead..."
Ephesians 1:18–20a (NIV)
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ!
안녕하세요. 예수 그리스도의 이름으로 문안드립니다.
My name is Rev. HyungYong Choi, and I serve as the Presiding Elder of the New England East District in the Northeast Conference of the Global Methodist Church. Welcome to Day 7 of our 27 Days of Prayer as we prepare our hearts for the Annual Conference gathering this May 8–10 in Cortland, New York.
In the New England East District, we are blessed with three churches, located throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Maine. What I love most about our district is how God has brought together a beautifully diverse group of people with one heart—to follow Jesus and spread scriptural holiness. Despite our differences and different contexts, each church is passionate about the gospel, faithful in prayer, and committed to mission.
Here are the churches we invite you to pray for today:
- Vida Abundante Global Methodist Church in Providence, Rhode Island – located at 689 Cranston Street.
- Boston New Hope Global Methodist Church in Reading, Massachusetts.
- Cressey Road Christian Church in Gorham, Maine.
In addition to these churches, we are excited to share that there is a new candidate in our district who feels called to plant a church in Boston. His name is Samaila A. Wada. Please pray for him—that God would guide and equip him as he steps out in faith to answer this missional calling. Please lift up all of these churches and leaders in prayer today, that we may faithfully live into our shared mission: to make disciples of Jesus Christ and to spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
We in the New England East District are eager to gather with you all in May. These 27 days are an opportunity for us to open our hearts to God’s Word and prepare to fan into flame the gift of the Holy Spirit that is alive in each of us.
Let us now hear the Words of God from Luke 18:9–14:
9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable:10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
This is the Word of God for people of God. Thanks be to God.
Today’s Prayer Focus
Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector speaks to the perils of being confident in one’s own righteousness. The sinner who knows his sin is closer to justification than the sinner who is pridefully unaware. Center your prayers this day on the mission field of the lost. Pray for the Spirit to work in the hearts of those who feel they are righteous because of their deeds. Pray for the Spirit to draw those who stand at a distance closer to Jesus, and to receive the assurance of the mercy they seek.
Today’s Suggested Prayer
Lord God, Shepherd of the lost sheep,Father of the lost son.You rejoice in heavenwhen that which was dead is now alive,when that which was lost is now found.I lift up to you now [name(s)],who is far from you.By your grace,give (him/her) ears to hear your call in the night,eyes to see your hand of mercy reaching out in love.Soften (his/her) heart to receive your grace.Do this so that heaven will rejoicewhen one sinner repents.We ask this 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.
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Greetings in the name of Christ.
My name is Rev. Sharon Lowans, I am pastor of Butler’s Chapel Church and I am the Presiding Elder of the Maryland-West Virginia district in the Northeast Conference of the Global Methodist Church. Welcome to Day 6 of 27 Days of Prayer as we prepare for our Annual Conference gathering on May 8-10 in Cortland, NY.
The six churches of the Maryland-West Virginia district are located in both the western part of the state of Maryland and in the East Panhandle of West Virginia. What I love about our district, beyond the beauty of the landscape all across western Maryland and in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia with the mountains and valleys that have quaint small towns and rural communities, are the local church leaders and the wonderful people that make up our congregations and who are faithfully answering the call through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, to multiply disciples of Jesus Christ throughout our communities who flourish in scriptural holiness as we worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly. It has been exciting to see God leading in each of our churches and to see answers to prayers so many times. Praise the Lord! Although we are located at the most southern tip of the Northeast Conference, we are enthusiastic about being a part of this vast and diverse conference and for being “in connection” with so many others around the world through this holiness movement called the Global Methodist Church.
Our churches are Butler’s Chapel Church of Martinsburg, West Virginia; Davis Memorial Methodist Church, of Cumberland, Maryland; Faith and Friends Global Methodist Church of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia; Mt. Zion Orleans Community Church, of Great Cacapon, West Virginia; New Covenant Methodist Church, of Cumberland, Maryland and Parkhead Union Church of Big Pool, Maryland. 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 Maryland-West Virginia 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 Mark 11:20-25:
Hear now the Word of the Lord:
20 In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. 21 Peter remembered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!” 22 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. 23 “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Today’s Prayer Focus
Jesus looked for fruit on a fruitless tree. Finding none, he declared that none would ever eat fruit from that tree again. And the tree withered. Center your prayers this day on the fruit Christ wishes the Global Methodist Church to bear. Pray for increased vitality in the churches already in the Northeast Annual Conference. Pray for church planters to be lifted up so that many hundreds, even thousands of new churches will be started in our region. Pray that all our churches would bear fruit and would spread scriptural holiness through this land. “Believe that you have received it,” Jesus said, “and it will be yours.”
Today’s Suggested Prayer
O Lord, Creator of heaven and earth,your divine plan for us was a Garden in which to dwell,a place filled with trees of every kind,each bearing fruit, good for food.Yet we turned away from your Word,and listened to words not of your Spirit.In many corners of creation,your church now ceases to bear fruit.In your mercy, cultivate again in usa hunger for the fruit of your Spirit.Lift up church planters in the Northeast,so that many more congregations may sprout and grow.Use the Global Methodist Churchto spread scriptural holiness through this land,so that all may yearn to dwell in the Garden of your grace.We ask this 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.