As Melbourne and Victoria entered six weeks of Stage 3 and 4 COVID lockdowns, six members of The Gospel Coalition in Australia, Victoria Committee were asked how they’re praying for their city and State – prayers for Victoria we might all like to take up over the coming weeks.
‘I’m praying for three things. First, that God will have mercy on us and bring relief to the many people who are stressed, anxious and suffering. Second, that God will use this massive upheaval of our lives to cause many people to stop and think about what we really live for and where hope, security and purpose are really found, and that it will lead many to seek God. Third, that the Lord will use this time to bring spiritual awakening and revival to His people and His Church, so that we seek Him afresh with all our heart and love Christ and the Gospel above all else.’ – Murray Capill, Reformed Theological College, Australia
‘I’m praying that the God of all comfort will comfort His people, guard our hearts and help us suffer well. As many struggle with loneliness and depression, I’m praying that they will be comforted by the Lord Jesus Christ who is always in us and with us by His Spirit – we are never truly alone. I’m praying that God will protect His people from sin and temptation, and that we will emerge from lockdown with a deeper holiness and refined Christlikeness. And I’m praying that our churches will persevere with such faith and joy that shines the eternal hope of the Gospel into a dark and needy State.’-Adam Ch’ng, Cross & Crown: Melbourne
‘I’m praying that Gospel workers will rest in the truth that the Gospel is powerful and Good News even in restricted moments of mission; that the Good News of Jesus cannot be locked down; and that there is a greater virus and the Gospel is its only true vaccine. I’m praying that the Holy Spirit will empower us to be creative, humble and rest in Christ’s supremacy over all things so that we run at God’s pace not our own or the ministry culture around us.’– Shebu John, Canterbury Gardens Community Church
‘I’m praying that God will grant our leaders wisdom and good judgment; that He’ll protect doctors and nurses and keep them in good health; that many in our State will be humbled by the fragility of life and certainty of death; that the Gospel will spread and bear fruit in this season. I’m praying that God will guard Gospel churches from disunity, callousness, apathy, judgmentalism and division; that Christians will be proactive and creative in loving one another when kept from the blessing of physically meeting; and that God will stir our hearts to hope in the return of the Lord Jesus and the establishment of the New Heavens and New Earth where sickness and death shall be no more.’-Nathan Malpass, Redemption Church
‘I’m praying that God will use this time to reform, refine, prune and shape us – individuals, churches and church leaders – to be more like Him, to get rid of distractions and ungodly priorities, and better serve Him. I’m praying that as our faith is tested, we will be refined (1 Peter 1.6,7) and that, like the tree in Jeremiah 17.7,8, we will put down deep roots into God’s Word and not be “anxious in the year of drought” nor “cease to bear fruit”.’ – Fiona McLean, St Jude’s Anglican Church, Carlton
‘I’m praying that God in His grace and mercy will change people’s hearts. These days have shown us that we Victorians can be shaken out of our apathy and comfort-induced stupor to make all sorts of changes to our behaviour. It’s temporary external change but it gives us hope and courage to pray even more for the permanent change brought about by the life-giving Word of Truth – the Gospel. May God work by His powerful Spirit to turn our fellow Victorians to Christ. As people come for food relief, may they find the bread of life and be truly nourished and sustained for eternity.’-Sam Reeve, CrossCulture Church
(From page 5 “New Life” 15 August 2020—www.nlife.com.au)
