Global Unity in Prayer: Celebrating Easter's Hope

 

Summary

As we gather for this Global Easter Prayer Gathering, we are reminded of the unique challenges and opportunities presented by this unprecedented time. Despite the inability to physically gather, the spirit of Easter remains vibrant as we unite in prayer and worship from our homes. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Saddleback Church, and while we cannot celebrate in the traditional sense, we are reminded that Easter is not confined to a location but is a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which will be honored by 2.3 billion believers worldwide.

In this gathering, we are joined by esteemed leaders from every continent, each bringing their unique voice to lead us in prayer for various needs arising from the pandemic. From praying for those who are anxious and fearful, to interceding for health workers on the frontlines, and seeking spiritual revival, we are united in our dependence on God. This time of crisis is also a time of opportunity for the Church to shine as a beacon of hope and love.

We are reminded of the power of prayer and the importance of standing firm in our faith. As we face the challenges of this pandemic, we are called to be the light in the darkness, to offer hope to those who are fearful, and to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. The message of Easter is one of triumph over tragedy, and we are encouraged to proclaim this message with boldness and confidence.

As we navigate these uncertain times, let us hold onto the promise of Romans 8:28, trusting that God is working all things for good for those who love Him. Let us be vessels of His love and grace, showing compassion to those in need and sharing the hope of the gospel with a world that is more open than ever before. May we be strengthened and empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill our calling as the Church, the body of Christ, in this critical moment in history.

Key Takeaways:

- Easter's Unchanging Message: Despite the inability to gather physically, the essence of Easter remains unchanged. It is a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a truth that transcends circumstances and unites believers worldwide. This year, we are reminded that Easter is not about a location but a celebration that can be honored in hearts and homes. [02:25]

- Global Unity in Prayer: This gathering brings together leaders from every continent to pray for various needs arising from the pandemic. From anxiety and fear to the health workers on the frontlines, we are united in our dependence on God. This time of crisis is also a time of opportunity for the Church to shine as a beacon of hope and love. [03:11]

- Standing Firm in Faith: In times of fear and uncertainty, we are called to stand firm in our faith. The message of Easter is one of triumph over tragedy, and we are encouraged to proclaim this message with boldness and confidence. As we face the challenges of this pandemic, let us be the light in the darkness, offering hope to those who are fearful. [36:25]

- Trusting in God's Sovereignty: We are reminded of the promise of Romans 8:28, that God is working all things for good for those who love Him. Even in bad times, God specializes in bringing good out of bad. Let us trust in His sovereignty and goodness, knowing that He is in control and has a plan and purpose for our lives. [01:01:27]

- Empowered by the Holy Spirit: As we navigate these uncertain times, let us be strengthened and empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill our calling as the Church. May we be vessels of His love and grace, showing compassion to those in need and sharing the hope of the gospel with a world that is more open than ever before. [44:44]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:22] - 40th Anniversary of Saddleback Church
[00:49] - Expanding the Easter Prayer Gathering
[01:13] - Going Global Amidst the Pandemic
[01:35] - Unity in Prayer and Worship
[01:59] - Celebrating Easter in a New Way
[02:25] - The Global Celebration of Easter
[03:11] - Voices from Every Continent
[03:37] - Prayers for Health Workers
[04:21] - Prayers for Spiritual Revival
[05:28] - Humility in Uncertain Times
[06:14] - Addressing Fear and Anxiety
[07:52] - A Prayer for Peace and Comfort
[09:21] - Trusting in God's Plan
[10:34] - Healing and Hope in Christ

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
2. 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 - "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
3. Psalm 91:1-2 - "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'"

#### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the unique challenges and opportunities mentioned in the sermon that the church faces during this pandemic? [01:13]
2. How does the sermon describe the global unity in prayer during this Easter gathering? [03:11]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Easter not being confined to a location? [02:25]
4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in empowering the church during these uncertain times, as mentioned in the sermon? [44:44]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Romans 8:28 provide comfort and assurance during times of crisis, as discussed in the sermon? [01:01:27]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the church can be a beacon of hope and love during the pandemic? [03:11]
3. How does the message of Easter, as described in the sermon, encourage believers to stand firm in their faith? [36:25]
4. What does the sermon imply about the importance of prayer and spiritual revival during this global crisis? [04:21]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt anxious or fearful during the pandemic. How can the promise of Romans 8:28 help you find peace and trust in God's plan? [01:01:27]
2. The sermon emphasizes being a light in the darkness. What specific actions can you take this week to offer hope and love to those around you? [36:25]
3. How can you participate in the global unity of prayer mentioned in the sermon? Consider setting aside a specific time each day to pray for health workers and those affected by the pandemic. [03:11]
4. The sermon encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty. What are some areas in your life where you struggle to trust God, and how can you work on surrendering those to Him? [01:01:27]
5. Think about someone in your life who may be more open to the gospel during this time. How can you share the hope of Easter with them in a meaningful way? [44:44]
6. The sermon calls for believers to be empowered by the Holy Spirit. What steps can you take to be more receptive to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily life? [44:44]
7. How can you and your small group support each other in standing firm in faith and being vessels of God's love and grace during this critical moment in history? [36:25]

Devotional

Day 1: Easter's Unchanging Message
The essence of Easter transcends physical gatherings and locations. It is a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a truth that unites believers worldwide. This year, as we commemorate Easter from our homes, we are reminded that the spirit of Easter is not confined to a church building but is alive in our hearts. The global celebration of Easter by 2.3 billion believers is a testament to the enduring power of this message. Despite the challenges of the current times, the hope and joy of Easter remain unchanged, encouraging us to celebrate with renewed faith and gratitude. [02:25]

1 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you."

Reflection: How can you create a meaningful Easter celebration at home that reflects the true essence of the resurrection?


Day 2: Global Unity in Prayer
In this unprecedented time, believers from every continent are coming together in prayer, united in their dependence on God. This global gathering is an opportunity for the Church to shine as a beacon of hope and love. As we pray for those affected by the pandemic, including health workers and those experiencing fear and anxiety, we are reminded of the power of collective prayer. This crisis presents a unique opportunity for spiritual revival and for the Church to demonstrate compassion and unity. [03:11]

Ephesians 6:18 (ESV): "Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints."

Reflection: Who in your community or around the world can you pray for today, and how can you encourage others to join you in this prayer?


Day 3: Standing Firm in Faith
In times of fear and uncertainty, believers are called to stand firm in their faith. The message of Easter is one of triumph over tragedy, and it encourages us to proclaim this message with boldness and confidence. As we face the challenges of the pandemic, we are reminded to be the light in the darkness, offering hope to those who are fearful. This is a time to deepen our trust in God's sovereignty and to be unwavering in our faith, knowing that He is in control. [36:25]

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (ESV): "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love."

Reflection: What specific fears or uncertainties are you facing today, and how can you actively choose to stand firm in your faith in response to them?


Day 4: Trusting in God's Sovereignty
The promise of Romans 8:28 reminds us that God is working all things for good for those who love Him. Even in difficult times, God specializes in bringing good out of bad. We are encouraged to trust in His sovereignty and goodness, knowing that He has a plan and purpose for our lives. This trust allows us to navigate uncertain times with peace and assurance, confident that God is in control and that His plans are for our ultimate good. [01:01:27]

Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God's plan, and how can you begin to surrender this area to Him today?


Day 5: Empowered by the Holy Spirit
As we navigate these uncertain times, we are called to be strengthened and empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill our calling as the Church. We are to be vessels of God's love and grace, showing compassion to those in need and sharing the hope of the gospel with a world that is more open than ever before. This empowerment allows us to live out our faith boldly and to be a source of encouragement and hope to others. [44:44]

Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Reflection: How can you rely on the Holy Spirit's power to show love and grace to someone in need today, and what steps can you take to share the hope of the gospel with them?

Quotes

We know, Lord, your Word says you did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. Yet, we are so human that sometimes we are afraid. We know your Word says: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds…" But sometimes we drop our guard and are anxious. So we come to you, Lord, admitting our own frailty and our own weakness, and we ask you Lord, to strengthen those who are fearful, to comfort those who mourn, to speak to those who have anxiety right now, who are worried about the future, who somehow think this pandemic has control. [08:24]

This is not the first time the world is encountering such a pandemic. The Church of Jesus Christ has stood the test of time as we reflect on the history of the church. In such a time as this, we need to remember to hold fast to the truth of God's Word in the midst of this chaotic situation. Zephaniah 3:17, "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save." There are 3 encouragements that we can claim from this passage. Firstly, the Lord is God. God is Sovereign in his purpose. Secondly, the Lord God is in our midst. He is with us. He is faithful in presence. Thirdly, the Lord is mighty to save. Nothing is impossible with God. He is mighty in power. [23:42]

I love challenging our church to step out there and actually be the light. In Isaiah 60, the Bible says, “Arise and shine for your light has come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you and kings shall come to the brightness of your rising” and so forth. I love to take a hold of that and believe our light has come, this is our day. They are challenging days, no doubt about it for the world. We’ve never seen anything quite like it. Who would have thought even just a month ago that at Easter all of us would be being innovative and coming up with new ways to take the gospel out to millions of people? It’s a great opportunity for us to truly be the light. [34:49]

The gospel is the power of God for salvation, for everyone who believes. I discovered that myself when as an 18-year-old atheist, I encountered Jesus. I heard the gospel and my life was changed. For the last 46 years, I've had the privilege of proclaiming that good news and seeing the immense change in people's lives as they encounter Jesus and the power of the gospel. We have the huge privilege this Easter of proclaiming that message afresh, and it's never been more relevant than at this moment. We're living at a time of huge crisis and tragedy as a result of the Coronavirus. But the message of the gospel is that God took the greatest tragedy of all time, the cross and turned it into the greatest triumph of all time through the resurrection. [41:33]

I want to pray for you right now that the Holy Spirit will refill you and reanoint you as you proclaim this message this Easter. The Spirit of the Lord is upon you because he's anointed you to preach good news. Lord that's our prayer right now. Come, Holy Spirit, and fill each person who is watching this right now. I encourage you, if you'd like to maybe open your hands as a way of saying, "Lord, come and refill me. Reanoint me this Easter to proclaim the most powerful message in the world. Come, Holy Spirit." Now the Spirit of the Lord is resting on you because he has anointed you to preach good news to the poor, to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives, to set the prisoners free, to open the eyes of the blind, to bring the oil of gladness instead of despair. [44:37]

We have an amazing opportunity, it may be a threat because of the pandemic, but it is an opportunity also that has been given to us. We are in our homes, churches are closed, but the Bible and our fellowship of the Lord is not closed. So we have an opportunity to pray that during this time that we are in our homes, that when we get opportunity to come out, when the pandemic is gone, we can come out with a strong spiritual relationship with our Lord, spiritual relationship and fellowship with God. How I pray that we will take this time to pray for each other and to pray for spiritual revival. Andrew Murray said: "A revived church is the only hope for a dying world." [52:43]

To make it through a dark day, you have to hold onto a promise. To me, the great promise that is going to carry us through this time is Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who are the called according to his purpose.” Now, that’s not a promise for everybody. It’s only a promise for his church, “for those who love God are called according to his purpose.” Everything is not working together for good, for those who don’t love God. But the Bible says that for us, everything - including a pandemic, in everything, God works for good. It’s not all good. The pandemic is not good. The deaths are not good. The illnesses are not good. The economic devastation is not good. There’s a lot that’s going on bad in the world right now. [01:01:14]

But as we depend on Christ, we know that even in bad times, God specializes in bringing good out of bad. That’s the message of Easter. That’s the message of resurrection. God loves to turn crucifixions into resurrections. Bad times for the world can be good times for the church because it’s time for us to shine, to show our love, to show our grace, to show our compassion for the least, the last, the lost, the sick, the confused, everybody around. People are more open to the gospel now than at any other time. So let’s look at this time where we humbly come to God and say, “God, we are depending on you. We’re counting on you, not just to protect us, not just to save us, but to make us vessels of your love, instruments of your grace, ministers of your Word and power in the world.” [01:02:34]

God, you have said that those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. God, we declare to you today that you alone are our refuge. You are our place of safety. You are our God and we are trusting you. You have said that you will rescue us from every trap that you would protect us from the fatal plague and we’re asking you to shield us with your wings. We are asking you to shelter us with your feathers. God, your faithful promises are our armor and our protection. You’ve told us, God, that we don’t need to be afraid of the terrors of the night, that we don’t need to fear the dangers of the day, that we don’t need to dread the plague that stalks in darkness nor the disaster that strikes at midday. [01:04:53]

God, you have said that though a thousand fall at our side and though 10,000 are dying around us, that these evils will not touch us, but we will see it with our eyes and we will see how the wicked are punished. Lord, you have told us that if we would make you our refuge, if we would make you, the Most High, our shelter, that no evil would conquer us.” So we pray that. God, we ask it just as millions have asked it before, is that “no plague would come near our dwelling. You order your angels to protect us wherever we go. You’ve said that they would hold us with their hands and keep us from striking our foot on a stone.” We don’t even understand all of this, but we pray it back to you. [01:05:48]

I want to leave you with 2 verses specifically for pastors. Ephesians 3:10 tells us, “God’s intent was that through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known.” God created the entire universe because he wanted a family. The only thing that’s going to last is the church. A thousand years from today, if Jesus Christ hasn’t come back yet, there won’t be a Microsoft, or an Apple, or a Starbucks corporation. There probably won’t even be a United States of America in 1,000 years. Why? Because nothing man-made lasts forever. Where is the Hittite Empire? The Uyghuritic Empire? The Sumerian Empire? The Akkadian Empire? They’re all gone! But I’m going to tell you this. If Christ hasn’t come back in 1,000 years, the one thing you can count on still being here is the church. It’s the only thing that is going to last. [01:13:42]

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Transcript
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