Prayer

SUNDOWN, Texas (BP) – Brannon Rodgers knows well how bright the lights burn over football fields in the Texas panhandle. They shine on teenagers barely old enough to drive as the main players on a stage, a stage that even in the smallest of towns, on Friday nights feels like the center of the world.

EL CAJON, Calif. (BP) – Let’s start with a riddle: What two partners live less than two feet apart but never meet? They’re both CEOs of vast organizations with overlapping jurisdictions; yet they remain best of friends, communicate instantly, and work in perfect coordination. Even the slightest interruption of their labors would be catastrophic, so they never sleep. Their combined efforts keep us alive and well.

CRAIG, Alaska (BP) – Liberty Church has made great strides in the past year. At one point down to 10 members, it currently averages 50-60 in attendance each Sunday. Community goodwill toward the church has grown through outreach. A partnership with Alabama Baptists has the congregation poised to move into new worship and education space.

WASHINGTON (BP) – As America observed National Day of Prayer May 5, Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee Chairman Rolland Slade exalted church and community leaders in San Diego at one of tens of thousands of local prayer events across the U.S.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (BP) – Long Hollow Church Senior Pastor Robby Gallaty of Hendersonville, Tenn., knows the value of crying out to God and sitting silently for His response.

WASHINGTON (BP) – Offer focused prayers for the seven pillars of influence in America with the aid of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee’s prayer guide for 2022 National Day of Prayer May 5.

CARY, N.C. (BP) – Nearly 50 years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion nationwide through its decision in a case known as Roe v. Wade. Since that time, millions of Christians have been praying for the reversal of that decision, and now there are strong indications the high court is closer than ever.

God sent me halfway around the world to pray. I realized that truth while with a missions team in a second-floor room in a Hungarian school near the Ukrainian border just a few weeks ago.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (BP) -- Shannon Ford chokes up easily and often as he talks about Ukraine. Ford, his wife, Katie, and their sons Cameron and Carson lived in Kyiv for 18 years, while he was catalyzing church plants through the International Mission Board. “Ukraine in many ways is home,” he said. “Our boys grew up there ... You see a picture in the news of a place under attack, and you think ‘I know that place, I’ve been there,’” he said.

Recently, I was blessed to hear Bill Elliff speak on the subjects of prayer, revival and spiritual awakening. I was touched by his passion for something fresh from God to move in the lives of believers and in our churches.