Thank you for joining us this month as we take up “The Invitation” and join together with thousands of YWAMers from around the world as we pray and hear from God. This month we join with many around the world as we pray for the Coronavirus.
This month, please join the YWAM family as we pray for people caught up in the coronavirus pandemic. Please pray with us on our prayer day, April 9, or feel free to pray at a time that works best for you.
For this month’s prayer time, the majority of us will be joining from our homes since, in most locations, governments have restricted movement in order to contain the coronavirus pandemic. This means we will be praying alone, with our families, or perhaps connecting with others online. May you be encouraged and filled with hope as we pray!
If you only have a few moments to pray, please pray for YWAM’s leaders to be led by God in how to respond, and for people in the nations most affected by the virus right now. Thank you for being part of The Invitation. We would love to receive stories from you regarding how you prayed. You can email us at [email protected]. Please also share any coronavirus stories you have that might guide our prayer time in May which will be Coronavirus Part Two.
Additionally, Ramadan begins this month on April 24 and we have an opportunity to pray for 30 days for the Muslim world (see below in Take Action).
Photo credit: kingjamesonlinebible.org
Prepare to Pray:
Let’s prepare our hearts by reading Psalm 91. Even if you are alone, it can be helpful to read out loud.
* Read the psalm aloud three times, noticing each time the words and phrases that connect with your mind and heart.
* Repeat aloud or write in your journal those phrases that especially catch your attention. For example, this might be, “He is my refuge and my fortress,” or “He will save you.”
* If you are praying alongside your kids, they might want to draw a picture or find a magazine cutting that conveys one of these images: a refuge, a fortress, a shield, a safe dwelling.
* Spend a few moments in silence, using your imagination to feel what it is like to run away from fear, perhaps through a dark wood, and into a strong tower. How do you feel when, legs screaming from exertion, you arrive at the tower, fling open the door and lock it firmly behind you? How might God want to be your strong tower, your place of refuge, in your present circumstances?
* Consider singing along with this song (or perhaps another that comes to mind). As the song closes, offer your hope and trust to the Lord.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fM1SmbHOfLU
How To Pray – Coronavirus:
Like many of our training locations, the YWAM community in Kona, Hawaii, recently met to discuss their response to the coronavirus pandemic. At that meeting, YWAM’s cofounder Darlene Cunningham communicated some thoughts that can guide our prayers.
* Pray the promises of Psalm 91 over those who are suffering with illness, the loss of loved ones, or the fear of what could happen. Pray that God would bring rescue, healing and comfort.
* As you pray, name the nations most affected by the virus right now. Pray for the sick in China, Iran, Italy, Spain and other countries.
* Psalm 91 contains this promise from God: “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation” (v.
