Paul's persecutors attempted to kill him by stoning. They "dragged him out of the town, leaving him there for dead" (Acts 14:19). The circle of disciples raised the dead.
We need to form a prayer-circle around "the living dead" in our midst (1 Jn 3:14). Anyone who does not know Jesus is spiritually dead, reaping "the wages of sin" (Rm 6:23). Some churches are dead (Rv 3:1). Some marriages are dead. We can circle these people, churches, and couples, just as Joshua circled Jericho and the walls came tumbling down (Jos 6:20).
We can circle the dead and bring them to life by literally joining our hands, by a week of prayer (as with Jericho), by "praying over" people, by forming a prayer chain or intercessory group. If we but let the Spirit guide us, we can circle our dead planet with life-giving prayer. Let's go around in circles, up in resurrection spirals, into new life, a new life of true freedom.
| PRAYER: | Father, may the praying hands on earth join in a circle of prayer and risen life. |
| PROMISE: | "If you truly loved Me you would rejoice to have Me go to the Father." –Jn 14:28 |
| PRAISE: | When Henry had a near-death experience, he began to take his life and afterlife seriously. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for drawing all people to Yourself (Jn 12:32). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College