Unity in Prayer: Celebrating Easter Amidst Challenges

 

Summary

In this special gathering, we come together to celebrate the 41st annual Global Easter Prayer Gathering for pastors and church leaders. This event, which began as a small meeting of local pastors, has grown into a global online gathering, especially significant in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges and restrictions faced by churches worldwide, the spirit of Easter remains unbroken. This year, we unite not to focus on our differences but to celebrate our shared love for Jesus Christ, our risen Savior. The gathering is a time of prayer and worship, free from promotional or political agendas, as we prepare our hearts for the Holy Week services.

The pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges, with many churches still facing restrictions. Yet, the message of Easter transcends physical gatherings, as billions of Christians worldwide will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ in their hearts and homes. This event is a testament to the power of technology, allowing us to connect and worship together from all corners of the globe.

To lead us in prayer, we have invited respected pastors from each continent. Pastor William Okoye from Africa will pray for those grieving losses, while Bishop Dominic Ray from Europe will pray for those impacted by the pandemic. Pastor Romeo Tarasera from South America will focus on church unity, and Pastor Derwyn Gray and his wife Vicky from North America will pray for reconciliation through the cross. From Asia, Pastor John O will pray for pastors preparing their Easter messages, and Pastor Peter Tanchi will pray for the health and safety of pastors and their families.

As we gather in prayer, we are reminded that God is close to the brokenhearted and delivers us from our afflictions. Despite the losses and challenges we face, we are encouraged to draw closer to God, allowing our struggles to deepen our faith and reliance on Him. Let us pray for restoration and healing, trusting that God will turn our situations around and use them for His divine purposes.

Key Takeaways:

1. Unity in Diversity: This gathering exemplifies the beauty of unity among diverse Christian denominations, focusing on our shared love for Jesus Christ rather than our differences. It is a powerful reminder that our faith transcends cultural and denominational boundaries, uniting us in worship and prayer. [17:17]

2. Resilience Amidst Challenges: The pandemic has challenged churches worldwide, yet the spirit of Easter remains unbroken. This gathering highlights the resilience of the Christian community, as we adapt and find new ways to connect and celebrate our faith. [18:00]

3. The Power of Prayer: Prayer is a central theme of this gathering, emphasizing its importance in times of crisis. As we pray for one another, we are reminded of God's promise to be close to the brokenhearted and deliver us from our afflictions. [24:03]

4. Drawing Closer to God: In the face of loss and challenges, we are encouraged to draw closer to God, allowing our struggles to deepen our faith. By seeking God more earnestly, we find healing and restoration, trusting in His divine plan for our lives. [27:18]

5. Global Connection Through Technology: The use of technology in this gathering demonstrates its power to connect believers worldwide. Despite physical separation, we can unite in worship and prayer, celebrating Easter together as a global community. [18:56]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [14:53] - Introduction and History
- [16:17] - Going Global
- [17:01] - Unity in Christ
- [18:00] - Easter Amidst the Pandemic
- [19:10] - Global Prayer Leaders
- [19:41] - Prayers for Grieving
- [20:22] - Prayers for Spiritual Receptivity
- [20:36] - Prayers for Church Unity
- [20:51] - Prayers for Reconciliation
- [21:06] - Prayers for Pastors
- [21:36] - Encouragement and Closing
- [22:02] - Worship and Prayer Format
- [23:16] - Beginning of Prayer Time
- [24:03] - The Power of Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Psalm 34:18-20 (KJV & Living Bible)

#### Observation Questions
1. What is the significance of the Global Easter Prayer Gathering growing from a local event to a global online gathering? [16:17]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of technology in connecting believers worldwide during the pandemic? [18:56]
3. What are the specific prayer focuses for each of the pastors representing different continents? [19:41]
4. According to the sermon, what is the purpose of this gathering, and what is intentionally excluded from it? [17:32]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Psalm 34:18-20 provide comfort to those who are grieving or facing challenges, as mentioned in the sermon? [24:03]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that unity among diverse Christian denominations can be achieved? [17:17]
3. How does the sermon illustrate the resilience of the Christian community in the face of the pandemic? [18:00]
4. What does the sermon imply about the importance of prayer during times of crisis? [24:03]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt isolated or alone. How can the message of Easter and the global connection through technology help you feel more connected to the Christian community? [18:56]
2. The sermon emphasizes unity in diversity. How can you personally contribute to unity within your church or community, especially among those with different backgrounds or beliefs? [17:17]
3. Consider the challenges you have faced during the pandemic. How can you draw closer to God and deepen your faith through these struggles? [27:18]
4. Prayer is highlighted as a powerful tool in the sermon. How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine, especially for those who are grieving or facing hardships? [24:03]
5. Think about the role of technology in your spiritual life. How can you use it to foster deeper connections with other believers and participate in global worship and prayer? [18:56]
6. The sermon mentions the importance of preparing our hearts for Holy Week services. What specific steps can you take to spiritually prepare yourself for Easter this year? [17:44]
7. How can you support and pray for pastors and church leaders in your community, especially in light of the challenges they face during the pandemic? [21:21]

Devotional

Day 1: Unity in Christ's Love
In a world filled with diverse cultures and denominations, the unity among Christians is a testament to the power of Christ's love. This unity is not about erasing differences but celebrating the shared faith in Jesus Christ, which transcends cultural and denominational boundaries. The Global Easter Prayer Gathering exemplifies this unity, as believers from around the world come together to worship and pray, focusing on their common love for the risen Savior. This gathering reminds us that our faith is a unifying force, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. [17:17]

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively promote unity within your local church community, celebrating diversity while focusing on the shared love for Christ?


Day 2: Resilience Through Faith
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to churches worldwide, yet the spirit of Easter remains unbroken. This resilience is a testament to the strength of the Christian community, which has adapted to new ways of connecting and celebrating faith. Despite physical restrictions, the message of Easter continues to resonate in the hearts and homes of believers. The Global Easter Prayer Gathering highlights this resilience, demonstrating how technology can bridge the gap and unite Christians globally in worship and prayer. [18:00]

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate resilience in your faith during challenging times, and how can you support others in your community to do the same?


Day 3: The Transformative Power of Prayer
Prayer is a central theme of the Global Easter Prayer Gathering, emphasizing its importance in times of crisis. Through prayer, believers are reminded of God's promise to be close to the brokenhearted and deliver them from their afflictions. This gathering serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of prayer, as Christians from around the world come together to intercede for one another. In times of struggle, prayer becomes a source of strength and comfort, drawing believers closer to God and to each other. [24:03]

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine, and who in your life can you commit to praying for this week?


Day 4: Deepening Faith Through Challenges
In the face of loss and challenges, believers are encouraged to draw closer to God, allowing their struggles to deepen their faith. The Global Easter Prayer Gathering reminds us that God is close to the brokenhearted and delivers us from our afflictions. By seeking God more earnestly, believers find healing and restoration, trusting in His divine plan for their lives. This gathering encourages Christians to view their struggles as opportunities to grow in faith and reliance on God. [27:18]

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12, ESV)

Reflection: What current challenge in your life can you view as an opportunity to deepen your faith, and how can you seek God's guidance in this situation?


Day 5: Embracing Global Connection Through Technology
The use of technology in the Global Easter Prayer Gathering demonstrates its power to connect believers worldwide. Despite physical separation, Christians can unite in worship and prayer, celebrating Easter together as a global community. This gathering highlights the potential of technology to bridge distances and foster a sense of global unity among believers. It serves as a reminder that the body of Christ is not confined by geographical boundaries but is a worldwide family united in faith. [18:56]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: How can you use technology to foster deeper connections with fellow believers, both locally and globally, and what steps can you take to participate in or create virtual gatherings for worship and prayer?

Quotes


Now, of course, this Easter in 2021 is very unique in that all around the world there are churches that are still battling in different stages of the COVID-19 global pandemic, and many places around the world are still in complete lockdown while other places in the world there are some churches that are being allowed to meet with some severe restrictions. [00:17:52]

But I'm here to tell you that while we aren't all able to assemble for Easter, the resurrection of Jesus Christ will still be celebrated everywhere in the hearts and homes of literally billions of people, 2.3 billion Christian believers in the world. That's one out of every three people on this planet. [00:18:18]

We may be apart, but we are not alone, and we may be separated, but we're not isolated. Easter is not a location; it's a celebration. And now with technology like we're doing right now, we're able to come together and connect more than ever before from all around the world as we worship and pray together. [00:18:49]

As pastors and as church leaders, we prepare our hearts to lead all of the Holy Week services that are ahead of us this week. Now, of course, this Easter in 2021 is very unique in that all around the world there are churches that are still battling in different stages of the COVID-19 global pandemic. [00:17:44]

The Lord is close to those whose hearts are broken. He rescues those who are humbly sorry for their sins. The good man does not escape our troubles; he has them too, but the Lord helps him in each and every one. Not one of his bones is broken. [00:25:02]

This is very encouraging for us to know that whatever loss, whatever pain, whatever challenge we've been through or still going through right now, and as a result of this pandemic, the Lord is concerned with our concerns. The Bible said that whatever touches us touches the very apple of His eyes. [00:25:48]

Because He's a prayer-answering God, when we call upon His name in the face of our challenges, He hears us. So we are going to pray today to call on the name of the Lord to visit each one of us in afflictions and turn our captivities. [00:26:54]

One of the things we resolved in the face of all those challenges is that we will not allow our problems to take us away from God, but that will allow our problem to draw us closer to God because we realize that if we allow problems to draw us away from God, our problems will worsen. [00:27:21]

As we allow our problems to draw us closer to God, make us study the Bible more, pray more, fellowship with God more, obey God, doing His will, trying to touch the life of other people, we began to experience healing, and I pray that that healing will be your portion. [00:27:55]

All of us that have suffered one loss or the other, that God will encourage you. God of restoration will restore whatever it is that you have lost or in one word the other turn around your situation and make it a tool in the hands of the Holy Spirit to continue to advance His divine plan and purposes for your life. [00:28:32]

Let us pray right now for those who have lost loved ones, suffered devastation, their businesses, and whatever loss you suffered. We are going to be praying right now for one minute. Let's all pray for those who are suffered this loss. [00:28:55]

I would like to take us to the book of Psalms chapter 34. I'm going to read from verses 18 to 20, and I'm reading first from the King James Version and then I'll read from the Living Bible. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. [00:24:31]

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Transcript
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