Praying for the Pain of Your City

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. Matt 23:37 NIV

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:36-38

Every city has pain, it’s the impact of sin and a fallen world in which we live. Pain goes far beyond crime, which causes enough pain within itself. It’s even more than what you typically think are the most vulnerable, the homeless, the vets, or the addicts. It can be overwhelming, so many compartmentalize and shut it out. Untouchables has a new meaning.

When it comes to prayer we start with our concentric circles of influence. You are in the first circle. Most of the time our prayers never move beyond our own navel, ourself. And however true it is that your life may be a mess, you do have the ability to pray beyond your own needs.

The second circle would be your family and very close friends. Again, there may be health challenges, financial needs or relational turmoil that leaves you burdened. And rightly so! Just remember that God’s grace is sufficient for the challenges you are enduring. Life and peace in your time of need.

The next circle is your community which would include your church and city. The last would be your nation and the world, but I want to limit the rest of the blog to your community and city.

What is the pain in/of your city? Years ago a ministry in Knoxville, TN deep dived in research to determine the pain levels in their city, how were those needs being addressed and what were the potential levels of engagement for the church to meet those needs. It was a fantastic resource for churches to band together to address the needs of their city.

I want to mention 3 of those areas to help you begin to talk with the Lord about how He wants to help the sheep without a shepherd. The first are the demographics of your city. Do you know what the racial percentages are in your city? Is your city growing or going? If it is growing, who is moving in? Young professionals? Illegals? Hispanic? or Others. Are they poor or college students? The answers to these questions should lead your church to ask…what are we doing to reach the people that God is bringing to your doorsteps. Don’t close your eyes to those in need thinking that they just need to get a job. God has given you resources, not just money, to address the needs around you.

Family dynamics is the second area of pain. How many single mother households are there in your city? Pregnancy rate and those who are unwed? What is the divorce statics? Do you have divorce recovery ministries and marriage training and support? How many children in foster care? Of those who are in group homes and how many are placed in families? Every issue that families are facing impacts the entire community.

Education is the third are of pain. How many schools in your community are “A” schools and how many are failing? What is the teacher ratio? What are the statics for reading and math? Schools love for volunteer help with kids to read. Could your school use some new paint or upkeep? If you asked your teachers what their greatest need would be, what would they say?

The devil comes to kill, steal and destroy. Jesus comes to bring life and light. When you beseech the Lord of the harvest to help in your community it goes beyond salvation into the healing of the land. We are asking for God’s kingdom values to be represented here on earth. People need hope, joy, love and laughter. Your words, your prayer is heard and comes into alignment with God’s purposes for us.

Simply, ask God to help you see the pain in your city and begin to pray for HIS WILL to come forth in and through you and others who are followers of Christ. He loves that kind of compassionate bold prayers.

Blessings, Love y’all