Unity in Prayer: Celebrating Resurrection 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 worldwide assembly, uniting leaders from every denomination and region. 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 of believers worldwide. This gathering is a testament to our unity in Christ, transcending geographical and denominational boundaries.

The focus of our gathering is prayer and worship, devoid of any promotional or political agenda. We come together to prepare our hearts for the Holy Week services ahead, acknowledging the unique circumstances of this Easter season. While we may be physically apart, technology allows us to connect and support one another more than ever before. This year, we have invited six pastors from different continents to lead us in prayer, each focusing on specific themes relevant to our current global situation.

Pastor William Okoye from Africa will lead us in praying for those grieving the losses experienced over the past year. Bishop Dominic Ray from Europe will pray for those impacted by the pandemic and for increased spiritual receptivity. Pastor Romeo Tarasera from South America will focus on unity within our churches. Pastor Derwyn Gray and his wife Vicky from North America will pray for reconciliation through the cross. Pastor John O from Asia will pray for pastors as they prepare their Easter messages, and Pastor Peter Tanchi, also from Asia, will pray for the health and safety of pastors and their families.

As we engage in this global prayer gathering, we are reminded of the power of prayer and the presence of God in our lives, even amidst trials. We are encouraged to draw closer to God, allowing our challenges to deepen our faith and reliance on Him. Together, we pray for God's anointing on our lives as we preach Christ during Holy Week and Easter.

Key Takeaways:

1. Unity in Diversity: This gathering exemplifies the unity of the global church, transcending denominational and geographical boundaries. It is a reminder that our shared love for Jesus Christ is greater than our differences, and through prayer and worship, we can come together to support one another. [17:17]

2. Resilience in Adversity: Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the celebration of Easter continues in the hearts of believers worldwide. This resilience is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the hope found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. [18:22]

3. The Power of Prayer: Prayer is a powerful tool that connects us to God and to each other. In times of loss and grief, prayer provides comfort and strength, reminding us that God is close to the brokenhearted and delivers us from our afflictions. [24:53]

4. Drawing Closer to God: Challenges and losses can either drive us away from God or draw us closer to Him. By choosing to draw closer, we find healing and restoration, allowing our struggles to become tools for spiritual growth and deeper fellowship with God. [27:18]

5. Global Support and Encouragement: This gathering is a platform for pastors and church leaders to support and encourage one another. It highlights the importance of community and the shared mission of advancing God's divine plan, even in the face of adversity. [23:03]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [14:53] - Introduction and History
- [16:19] - Going Global
- [17:17] - Unity in Christ
- [18:22] - Celebrating Easter Amidst Challenges
- [19:25] - Global Prayer Leaders
- [20:07] - Praying for Grieving Hearts
- [20:19] - Spiritual Receptivity
- [20:33] - Unity in Churches
- [20:50] - Reconciliation Through the Cross
- [21:03] - Preparing Easter Messages
- [21:20] - Health and Safety of Pastors
- [22:02] - Worship and Prayer Format
- [23:03] - Global Support and Encouragement
- [23:16] - Beginning of Prayer Time

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 meeting to a worldwide assembly? [16:19]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of technology in connecting believers during the pandemic? [18:53]
3. What specific themes are the six pastors from different continents focusing on during the prayer gathering? [19:25]
4. According to the sermon, what is the purpose of coming together for this prayer gathering? [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? [24:53]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that unity in diversity can strengthen the global church? [17:17]
3. How does the sermon illustrate the power of prayer in times of adversity and loss? [24:53]
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between challenges and spiritual growth? [27:18]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt isolated. How can the idea that "we may be apart but we are not alone" change your perspective on community and connection? [18:53]
2. How can you actively participate in fostering unity within your local church, especially when faced with differences? [20:33]
3. Consider the losses you have experienced over the past year. How can Psalm 34:18-20 encourage you to draw closer to God during these times? [24:53]
4. What steps can you take to increase your spiritual receptivity, as mentioned in the prayer led by Bishop Dominic Ray? [20:19]
5. How can you support and encourage pastors and church leaders in your community, especially in light of the challenges they face? [21:20]
6. Identify a specific way you can use technology to connect with and support fellow believers during this Easter season. [18:53]
7. How can you incorporate prayer into your daily routine to strengthen your faith and reliance on God amidst trials? [24:53]

Devotional

Day 1: Unity in Christ Transcends Boundaries
In a world often divided by differences, the unity of the global church stands as a powerful testament to the shared love for Jesus Christ. This unity transcends denominational and geographical boundaries, reminding believers that their common faith is greater than any differences. The Global Easter Prayer Gathering exemplifies this unity, as leaders from various backgrounds come together in prayer and worship, supporting one another in their shared mission. This gathering is a vivid reminder that through Christ, believers are part of a larger, diverse family that is united in purpose and love. [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: Consider someone from a different denomination or cultural background. How can you reach out to them this week to foster unity and understanding in Christ?


Day 2: Resilience Through Faith in Adversity
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to the global church, yet the celebration of Easter continues in the hearts of believers worldwide. This resilience is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the hope found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Despite the inability to gather physically, believers are reminded that the essence of Easter is not confined to a building but is alive in their hearts and homes. This season calls for a renewed focus on the hope and strength that faith provides, even in the face of adversity. [18:22]

"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope." (Romans 5:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did your faith help you endure, and how can you use that experience to encourage someone else today?


Day 3: The Transformative Power of Prayer
Prayer is a powerful tool that connects believers to God and to each other, providing comfort and strength in times of loss and grief. It is a reminder that God is close to the brokenhearted and delivers them from their afflictions. The Global Easter Prayer Gathering emphasizes the importance of prayer as a means of support and encouragement, allowing believers to lift each other up and seek God's guidance together. In moments of trial, prayer becomes a source of hope and a reminder of God's presence in every situation. [24:53]

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18, ESV)

Reflection: Think of someone who is grieving or struggling. How can you intentionally pray for them today, and perhaps reach out to offer your support?


Day 4: Drawing Closer to God Through Challenges
Challenges and losses can either drive believers away from God or draw them closer to Him. By choosing to draw closer, individuals find healing and restoration, allowing their struggles to become tools for spiritual growth and deeper fellowship with God. This perspective encourages believers to view their trials as opportunities to deepen their faith and reliance on God, trusting that He is working through every circumstance for their good. [27:18]

"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: Identify a current struggle in your life. How can you intentionally use this challenge to draw closer to God and grow in your faith?


Day 5: Global Support and Encouragement in Community
The Global Easter Prayer Gathering serves as a platform for pastors and church leaders to support and encourage one another, highlighting the importance of community and the shared mission of advancing God's divine plan. This gathering underscores the value of coming together, even virtually, to uplift and strengthen each other in faith. It is a reminder that believers are not alone in their journey and that the global church is a source of encouragement and support, especially in times of adversity. [23:03]

"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: Think of a fellow believer who might need encouragement. How can you reach out to them this week to offer support and remind them of the strength found in community?

Quotes


This gathering exemplifies the unity of the global church, transcending denominational and geographical boundaries. It is a reminder that our shared love for Jesus Christ is greater than our differences, and through prayer and worship, we can come together to support one another. [00:17:17]

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the celebration of Easter continues in the hearts of believers worldwide. This resilience is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the hope found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. [00:18:22]

Prayer is a powerful tool that connects us to God and to each other. In times of loss and grief, prayer provides comfort and strength, reminding us that God is close to the brokenhearted and delivers us from our afflictions. [00:24:53]

Challenges and losses can either drive us away from God or draw us closer to Him. By choosing to draw closer, we find healing and restoration, allowing our struggles to become tools for spiritual growth and deeper fellowship with God. [00:27:18]

This gathering is a platform for pastors and church leaders to support and encourage one another. It highlights the importance of community and the shared mission of advancing God's divine plan, even in the face of adversity. [00:23:03]

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. [00:25:02]

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, we're able to come together and connect more than ever before from all around the world. [00:18:22]

The grace of God is what has seen us through, what has brought us thus far, and 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. [00:27:18]

We will not allow our problems to take us away from God, but we will allow our problems to draw us closer to God because we realize that if we allow problems to draw us away from God, our problems will worsen. [00:27:18]

The God of restoration will restore whatever it is that you have lost or, in one way or 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. [00:28:03]

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. Some of us have suffered like myself; I've suffered a lot of challenges during the course of the year or the past year. [00:26:02]

Together around the world, we will pray for God's anointing on your life as you preach Christ during Holy Week and Easter. Now between some of our prayer times, we're going to be led and worshiped by some friends of mine. [00:21:03]

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Transcript
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