Unity in Prayer: Celebrating Global Easter Together

 

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 movement, uniting leaders from every denomination and continent. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced many churches to cancel public Easter services, we are reminded that the resurrection of Jesus Christ will still be celebrated in the hearts and homes of billions worldwide. This gathering is a testament to our unity in Christ, transcending geographical and denominational boundaries.

The event features pastors from six continents leading us in prayer, each focusing on different aspects of the challenges we face. Pastor William Okoye from Africa prays for those grieving losses, while Bishop Dominic Ray from Europe prays for increased spiritual receptivity amid the pandemic. Pastor Romeo Tarasera from South America emphasizes the power of unity within our churches, and Pastor Derwyn Gray from North America, along with his wife Vicky, prays for reconciliation through the cross. Pastor John O from Asia prays for pastors preparing their Easter messages, and Pastor Peter Tanchi also from Asia, prays for the health and safety of pastors and their families.

This gathering is not just about prayer; it is a time of worship led by renowned artists like Israel Houghton and CeCe Winans. The format is simple yet profound: a pastor introduces a prayer topic, followed by a moment of silent prayer, and then a collective prayer led by a pastor representing a continent. This structure allows us to connect deeply with God and each other, even if we are physically apart.

As we navigate these unprecedented times, we are reminded that God is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Our challenges are not meant to drive us away from God but to draw us closer to Him. Through prayer and unity, we find healing and restoration, trusting that God will turn our situations around for His divine purposes.

Key Takeaways:

1. Unity in Diversity: This gathering exemplifies the beauty of unity in diversity, as pastors from different denominations and continents come together to celebrate our common love for Jesus Christ. Despite our differences, we are united in our mission to spread the gospel and support one another in prayer. [17:17]

2. Resilience Amidst Challenges: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges, yet it has also opened new avenues for connection and worship. We are reminded that Easter is not confined to a location but is a celebration that transcends physical boundaries. [18:53]

3. The Power of Prayer: Prayer is a powerful tool that connects us to God and each other. As we pray for those who have suffered losses, we are reminded that God is close to the brokenhearted and hears our cries. Our prayers can bring comfort and healing to those in need. [24:38]

4. Drawing Closer to God: In times of trouble, we have a choice to either drift away from God or draw closer to Him. By choosing the latter, we find strength, healing, and restoration. Our problems can become opportunities for deeper fellowship with God and service to others. [27:21]

5. Hope and Restoration: Despite the losses and challenges we face, there is hope in God's promise of restoration. He is concerned with our concerns and will meet us at our point of need, turning our situations around for His glory. [28:05]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[14:53] - Introduction to the Global Easter Prayer Gathering
[15:09] - History of the Gathering
[16:19] - Going Global Amidst the Pandemic
[17:17] - Unity in Christ
[18:22] - Celebrating Easter Worldwide
[19:25] - Continental Prayer Leaders
[20:07] - Praying for Grieving Hearts
[20:19] - Spiritual Receptivity in Europe
[20:33] - Unity in South America
[20:50] - Reconciliation in North America
[21:03] - Preparing Easter Messages in Asia
[21:20] - Health and Safety for Pastors
[22:02] - Worship and Prayer Format
[23:16] - Encouragement and Closing Remarks

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 34:18-20 - "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken."

2. John 11:25-26 - "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?'"

#### Observation Questions
1. What was the original purpose of the Global Easter Prayer Gathering, and how has it evolved over the years? [15:22]
2. How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact the way Easter was celebrated globally, according to the sermon? [18:22]
3. What are the different prayer focuses led by pastors from various continents during the gathering? [19:25]
4. How does the format of the prayer gathering facilitate connection among participants despite physical separation? [22:26]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Psalm 34:18-20 provide comfort to those who are grieving or facing challenges, as mentioned in the sermon? [24:38]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the pandemic has opened new avenues for connection and worship? [18:53]
3. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of unity in diversity among church leaders from different denominations and continents? [17:17]
4. What role does prayer play in bringing comfort and healing to those who have suffered losses, according to the sermon? [24:38]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt brokenhearted or crushed in spirit. How did you experience God's closeness during that time? [24:38]
2. The sermon emphasizes unity in diversity. How can you actively promote unity within your own church or community, especially among those with differing views? [17:17]
3. Considering the resilience shown during the pandemic, what new ways can you find to connect with others in your faith community, even if physical gatherings are limited? [18:53]
4. How can you incorporate the power of prayer into your daily routine to support those who are grieving or facing challenges? [24:38]
5. The sermon mentions the choice to draw closer to God during times of trouble. What practical steps can you take to deepen your relationship with God when facing difficulties? [27:21]
6. How can you be a source of hope and restoration for someone in your life who is currently experiencing loss or hardship? [28:05]
7. Reflect on the idea that Easter is not confined to a location but is a celebration. How can you celebrate the resurrection of Jesus in your own home or community this year? [18:53]

Devotional

Day 1: Unity in Christ's Diversity
In a world often divided by differences, the Global Easter Prayer Gathering serves as a powerful reminder of the unity that can be found in Christ. This event brings together pastors and church leaders from various denominations and continents, demonstrating that despite diverse backgrounds, there is a shared mission to spread the gospel and support one another in prayer. The gathering exemplifies how unity in diversity can be a source of strength and encouragement, as believers come together to celebrate their common love for Jesus Christ. This unity transcends geographical and denominational boundaries, highlighting the beauty of the global church united in purpose and faith. [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. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:12-13, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively promote unity within your own church community, especially among those who may have different backgrounds or perspectives than you?


Day 2: Resilience in Worship
The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged traditional ways of worship, yet it has also opened new avenues for connection and celebration. The Global Easter Prayer Gathering reminds us that Easter is not confined to a physical location but is a celebration that transcends boundaries. Despite the inability to gather in person, believers worldwide continue to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ in their hearts and homes. This resilience amidst challenges demonstrates that worship is not limited by circumstances but is a reflection of the heart's posture towards God. The gathering encourages believers to find creative ways to connect and worship, even when faced with obstacles. [18:53]

"Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." (Hebrews 12:28-29, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you creatively engage in worship and connection with others, even when traditional methods are not possible?


Day 3: The Healing Power of Prayer
Prayer is a powerful tool that connects believers to God and each other, offering comfort and healing to those in need. The Global Easter Prayer Gathering emphasizes the importance of prayer, as pastors from different continents lead prayers for various challenges faced by the global church. This collective act of prayer serves as a reminder that God is close to the brokenhearted and hears the cries of His people. Through prayer, believers can find solace and strength, knowing that they are not alone in their struggles. The gathering encourages individuals to lean into prayer as a source of healing and restoration. [24:38]

"Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord." (James 5:13-14, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life is in need of prayer today, and how can you commit to praying for them consistently this week?


Day 4: Drawing Near to God in Troubled Times
In times of trouble, believers have a choice to either drift away from God or draw closer to Him. The Global Easter Prayer Gathering encourages individuals to choose the latter, finding strength, healing, and restoration in God's presence. Challenges are not meant to drive believers away from God but to draw them closer, transforming problems into opportunities for deeper fellowship with Him. By seeking God in difficult times, believers can experience His peace and guidance, trusting that He will turn their situations around for His divine purposes. [27:21]

"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:8, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to draw closer to God, especially in areas of your life where you feel distant from Him?


Day 5: Hope in God's Promise of Restoration
Despite the losses and challenges faced, there is hope in God's promise of restoration. The Global Easter Prayer Gathering reminds believers that God is concerned with their concerns and will meet them at their point of need. Through prayer and unity, individuals can find hope and trust that God will turn their situations around for His glory. This hope is not based on circumstances but on the assurance of God's faithfulness and His ability to bring about restoration and healing. Believers are encouraged to hold onto this hope, knowing that God is working all things together for His divine purposes. [28:05]

"And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." (1 Peter 5:10, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust in God's promise of restoration, and how can you actively place your hope in Him today?

Quotes


In the next hour, together, pastors from all around the world are going to be praying with you and praying for you. Now let me explain each year we come together as pastors from literally every stream and denomination and tribe of Christianity, not to talk about our differences or our distinctives, but to celebrate our common love for our risen Savior, Jesus Christ. [00:16:57]

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. [00:17:51]

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. We'll be honoring Jesus Christ all this week and weekend. [00:18:21]

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. Now because this is a global gathering of pastors and church leaders, I wanted a voice from each continent to lead us in our prayer together. [00:18:53]

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. 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. [00:24:38]

The Lord is concerned with our concerns, the Bible said that whatever touches us touches the very apple of his eyes and 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. [00:25:40]

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 we worsen but as we allow our problems to draw us closer to God. [00:27:21]

We began to experience healing and I pray that that healing would be your portion, all of us that are 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 advances divine plan and purposes for your life. [00:28:05]

There's no doubt that we are living a very unusual time and for the last one year nations, individuals, families had been devastated by coronavirus pandemic. As a result of this so many of us have suffered great losses in terms of maybe losing loved ones, businesses collapsing and all kinds of challenges were faced as a result of this. [00:23:24]

I thank God for this platform that his servant require and has put together for us to pray for ourselves and encourage one another. I would like to take us to the book of Psalms chapter 34, I'm going to read from verses from verses 18 to 20 and I'm reading first from the King James version and then I'll read from the living Bible. [00:24:00]

The grace of God is what has seen us through what have brought us thus far and the God who did it for us will do it for you, the God who did it for us will do it for you. He's concerned with your concern and he's going to meet you at the point of your need. [00:27:00]

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. [00:19:00]

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Transcript
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