This month, our 1st Thursday Prayer Gathering looked a little different, but the sense of community and power of prayer remained the same. Ministry leaders from all over the tri-state area joined us to lift up our cities and world leaders in an online prayer gathering, which is available to watch here. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak and current events surrounding this crisis, we partnered with pray.nyc and Pastor Jon Tyson of Church of the City NYC, to participate in their 24/7 prayer chain. 

As Pastor Drew Hyun said in opening our time together in prayer, “We know that the very first posture we need in this moment is really a posture of dependence and prayer and calling out to [God].”

Prayer Gathering Highlights

Key themes echoed throughout each prayer led by the nine ministry leaders who led us in this gathering. 

Pastor Jon Tyson and Pastor Justin Mattera pointed us to the characteristics of God, reminding us of His ability to not only be our refuge and strength during this time of need, but also His power over this crisis.

Pastor Pura Coniglio and Pastor Alfred Watts talked about the connection between the fear of the Lord and wisdom, praying God would grant us, and our world leaders, wisdom during this time of uncertainty.

Pastor Ebony Small and Chris Whitford spoke to how clinging to God’s promises and presence enables us to live and react boldly as Christians. Remembering what God has promised and knowing that He is always with us, spurs us to live differently despite all the events unfolding around us.

As we experience so many areas of our lives being interrupted by this pandemic, Pastor Steve Milazzo and Bishop Joseph Mattera called us to use this time to refocus on what matters, allowing space for God in our lives now to enable us to live in faith, not fear. 

Resources

At the end of the gathering, our Executive Director Adam Durso shared about the Crisis Toolkit for Churches, a valuable resource provided in partnership with Gloo and the Barna Group. 

This resource lets you share your voice and see insights on how other leaders are taking courageous action to lead their people and communities as COVID-19 disrupts life and operations.

We’re so grateful that even in times of crisis, we can continue this prayer gathering, a tradition that has been 25 years in the making.