Covering the Community

What a wonderful thing to see the prayer group back to meeting in person.  It has been a blessing to receive the emails from Damon Littlefield regarding the Pine Valley United Methodist Church prayer requests.  I love that he provides the Scriptures to go with the prayer concerns.  Damon, thank you for being the chairperson of the Monday Prayer Ministry and the PVUMC Prayer Ministry since 2018!     

While PVUMC prays for all of your prayer requests, we also pray for our government and nation. Prayer is needed for the leaders of our government and nation.  Whether you support the person or not, our prayers are needed for the President, Congress, or the Judges of our land.  Why do we pay for them?  1 Timothy 2:1-2, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”  The Bible commands us to pray for all people including our political leaders. This will allow us to live “peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 

PVUMC also prays for our community and our local leaders.  I have been trying to pray specifically for Wilmington.  Why?  Here are several reasons.  Jeremiah 29:7, “Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”  Proverbs 11:10-11, “When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.  Through the blessing of the upright, a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked, it is destroyed.” 

Here are some responses to a letter Damon mailed on April 5th to federal, state, and local government officials, law enforcement, and first responders in anticipation of the National Day of Prayer on May 6th.: 

Governor Cooper responded:

“Thank you for your kind note and your prayers.  That means a great deal to me.  I am proud to be North Carolina’s 75th Governor, and I will continue to work hard to give everyone access to a good education, good healthcare, and the opportunity to grow and prosper. Again, I appreciate your prayers, and may God bless you and your fellow congregants.”

Councilman Charlie Rivenbark responded:

“I want to personally thank all of you for your kind and thoughtful message regarding National Prayer Day!  As a Christian, every day is Prayer Day; but, I am grateful that there is a day set aside to bring focus on prayer and its power!  I don’t know how people get through a day without prayer.  I ask that you mention me in your prayers, and I will you.”

New Life Prison Ministries – May newsletter – Chaplain Atwell Brookshire:  

“We are still not able to go back into the jail and prison; but, we are hopeful.  We miss being a voice for Jesus in jail and prison.  Keep praying for our police and sheriff’s officers who serve us so proudly. We thank our Christian friends for the Bibles, Christian books, Christian magazines, old eyeglasses, teddy bears, and financial support.  We love you and pray for you every day.”

Superior Court Judge G. Frank Jones responded:

“Thank you for the warm and uplifting letter of 5 April 2021.  Most importantly, thank you for your prayers.  James 5:16 is the foundation of a ministry such as yours.  Thank you not only for your intercessory prayers; but also for the personal reminder for me to pray as well.  May God continue to richly bless your ministry as you have richly blessed me.  Thank you for taking the time to care!  With warm regards, I remain IN CHRIST JESUS, G. Frank Jones.”

Join me in taking our place to guard our community for God’s glory.  Let’s pray for wisdom, godly counsel, and spiritual growth for our leaders.  Let’s pray for a revival in our community that brings a passion to seek Jesus and for His love to overflow into our community.  Billy Graham said, “It is a great privilege as well as our responsibility to pray for our government leaders.”

Jill Jarrell-Newsome