God's Love for The City

 God’s Love For The City

Troubles, particularly in urban centers are not a new thing and they come in many forms.  Poverty, addiction, violence, crime, homelessness and lack of services have become hallmarks of life in the city around the world. 

God loves the people who live in the cities as well as those who live in suburbs, in rural areas, and in remote places.  Today we want to pray for those who live in cities and for God’s peace and grace and healing to be poured out so that many are comforted, supported, and are drawn to the love of Christ.  Listen to these comforting words from Psalm 31

Praise the Lord, for he has shown me the wonders of his unfailing love.  He kept me safe when my city was under attack. In panic I cried out, “I am cut off from the Lord!” But you heard my cry for mercy and answered my call for help. So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord! 

Psalm 31:21-22, 24

Heavenly Father, our hearts cry out to you today on behalf of those who live in cities as well as those who live in rural areas and small towns. 

There is so much frustration, hurt, and panic in the lives of so many who live in cities.  The life of every single person matters to you - from the drug addict in a filthy alley to a CEO of a multi-billion dollar global company.  Each person has unique and personal needs that You know and care about. 

We pray along with the write of the Psalm that in these troubled times that many would reach out to You and put their hope in You. 

We pray for individuals and groups to be strong and courageous, and along with making their voices heard to political leaders that they would put their hope in You because You hear cries for mercy and You answer calls for help.

We pray for communities to come together to listen to one another, for hatred that’s been rooted in groups for generations to be let go, and for reconciliation to grow across racial, economic, and religious lines. 

We also remember that we are called to listen to Your voice, God and look with confidence to all that you are doing.  As Abraham confidently looked to You and was willing to leave his city of birth and travel to an unknown place, would You give us the grace and courage to follow You wherever You lead us, knowing that when You build and design things, they last forever.  That’s true for our lives and for the spreading of the gospel in any town or city to which you might call us. 

Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God. 

Hebrews 11:10

Help us to be shining lights for Your kingdom today, filled with grace and faith that You are good, that You are God, and that You are blessing all those who call out to You for help and blessing today.  Amen

Wherever You live today, Your community and everyone in it matters to God.  Let’s pray for our cities and communities today.  Have a great day.