A simple cross and a simple prayer “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9-10 It looks like an ordinary pocket cross. But is more than that to me. For me it represents the hope of God’s kingdom in the lives of five different people that I pray for each time I touch or hold or see this cross. And the prayer? “Jesus, let your kingdom come in the life of my friend.” I invite you to pray these words too. Think of five people in your life who need to know the transforming love of Jesus in their lives…and then pray for them. Specifically, I encourage you to pray them from Ascension (May 26) to Pentecost (June 5). In doing so you will be joining with millions around the globe who will be praying (as they have for several years now) that God’s kingdom might come in power in the lives of those we love and care about. Since 2016, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has challenged Christians of all denominations to join in a global movement of prayer: “In praying 'Thy Kingdom Come' we all commit to playing our part in the renewal of the nations and the transformation of communities." This is from the Thy Kingdom Come website: “Since its start in May 2016 God has grown Thy Kingdom Come from a dream of possibility into a movement. Christians from 172 countries have taken part in praying ‘Come Holy Spirit’, so that friends and family, neighbors and colleagues might come to faith in Jesus Christ. This praying together has been across our diversity and differences as every person, household and church are encouraged to pray in their own way. According to our annual survey findings an astonishing percentage of people said they were praying for family and friends to come to faith in Jesus, and a significant number of people join in for the first time, we recognize there is much more we can do together to help Thy Kingdom Come be fully in the lifeblood of the Church. During the 11 days of Thy Kingdom Come, it is hoped that everyone who takes part will: - Deepen their own relationship with Jesus Christ
- Pray for 5 friends or family to come to faith in Jesus
- Pray for the empowerment of the Spirit that we would be effective in our witness”
Again, I invite you to join with me in prayer for those we love (especially those who have not yet come to faith), for our community, and for the world. More information and resources can be found here. Blessings, Matthew+
Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen. | 
