Prayer and Missions in Times of Crisis

By: Dr. Luis Carlos Sáenz and Karen Cruz

A few weeks ago, the NMI (Nazarene Missions International) of the Mesoamerica Region produced and transmitted a series of messages and workshops from various global and regional leaders. The purpose and hope is that these videos would spark conversation in our churches and prepare us for mission in today’s world. After watching each video, a young Nazarene from Mexico City, Karen Cruz, has written several reflections on the topics raised in the videos. Today Karen shares her thoughts on “Prayer and Missions in Times of Crisis”, a video shared by our Regional Director, Dr. Luis Carlos Saenz.

If you want to see the full video, click here.

Today we live in trying times in which we may pass through difficulties and despair. Even within the church, knowing what God has done in our lives, we forget the sacrifice and grace that he has given to each one of us.

As followers of Christ, we often ignore, or perhaps belittle, the bond that brings us closer to God. It is prayer that helps us to communicate directly with the Father, creating a unique link to his presence. Through it we recognize that we need God in our lives. Prayer is a safe place in which we receive authority, power, and strength to fulfill the purpose that He has entrusted to us. We recognize that we are weak people and that our strength is not sufficient for the task He has for us. John Wesley said, “God does everything through prayer and nothing without it.”

As the Church of the Nazarene, we must be sensitive to the needs that exist around us, always interceding in prayer. Through intercession, the Bible says that God gives us authority and power to ask on behalf of the needy and those who have not yet been reached for salvation.

We know the global situation in which we live and some of the experiences that specific countries are facing. In difficult times in which we find ourselves innovating in order to forge ahead in life and ministry, the best ally we have is prayer. We must pray for the fruit that will be sown and gathered through the message of salvation. Let’s remember the parable of the sower: we can be that seed that ended up bearing fruit. As a Church our prayers must be filled with biblical ambitions, honesty and humility. As Christians we must reflect the life of Jesus Christ in our daily behavior.

The Church of the Nazarene knows and recognizes that prayer changes our lifestyles. Intercession changes people’s lives in a special way and helps us understand how to fulfill our mission.

When we live lives saturated in prayer, we long to carry the message of salvation to all nations. Making disciples who make disciples, we understand that every human being is fertile ground and can bear fruit in abundance. Prayer sows seeds and prompts us to continue scattering seed in every heart of those who need to hear and receive the gospel.

In addition, it will be essential that we, as part of the body of Christ, remain in constant prayer, interceding for our leaders, missionaries, pastors, servants and all those who are involved in expanding the kingdom of God. Prayer is our primary weapon in the battle of faith. In it we will strengthen our relationship with the Father and receive blessing and power from God (Luke 11:5-17).