This week our church had a prayer drive around Nashville…the city we call home. Nashville is still on pretty tight lock-down regarding get togethers. We all met in the church parking lot, followed along with the map provided and listened to pre-recorded prayers when we came to our next location. It was a time of following one another around the neighborhood and into the city where we live. It was moving to “see” the places we pray for every week.

As I had my devotions this week, I finished out 1 Peter. 1 Peter 5:8-9 reads, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.”

Last time in 5 Things I Learned from 2020, we discussed how worshipping with others does help in your spiritual walk and that prayer matters. This week, as we had car after car in the line praying, I was reminded that:

1. We are not alone in what we’re going through. This pandemic has caused many of us to be alone more than usual. We are learning to do things differently, but many of us have the same feelings. Let’s learn to talk to others.
2. Satan is looking for those who are weak and/or isolated. When Satan acts like a roaring lion, he’s naturally going to prey on those who are easy targets. Don’t be an easy target. Study the Word of God! Keep in touch with others and pray for them.
3. We must stay together in a group. Staying together might not be in teh same room all the time, but it does mean we should check up on others. Even if you feel you’re okay being alone, it doesn’t mean others are okay being alone.
4. We must stay alert to what is going on around us and how we’re feeling. Thinking of others helps in this area because it gives perspective. We realize we’re not in this by ourselves and we get the focus off of us. Our feelings are valid simply because that’s how we’re feeling. Don’t feel guilty if you feel angry, frustrated, irritated. Find out why you feel that way and talk about it with others!
5. We shouldn’t be surprised when Satan attacks – we should expect it. This life is not guaranteed to be cushy or easy. We are here to win a war and we must be prepared for battle. Prayer is important in fighting for ourselves and for others.

Togetherness and pray helps us in our spiritual walk. We must always, whether in isolation or in person, check up on others and care for them. We will grow together spiritually and lift each other up. Pray and pray often. Pray for those you know and for those you don’t know. Your pray might be what saves or rescues those in trouble or in need.

How can you support someone today? Do you need to contact them or pray for them?

© 2021 Susan M. Sims

If you enjoy these blogs, please share with those who might need encouragement.

Follow me on Facebook.

Picture courtesy of David Sims.