Global Partner Emphasis
Sunday begins our annual Global Partners Emphasis. For three Sundays, we will turn our attention more fully to the 13 families and individuals we have sent to represent our Lord Jesus to the nations and to our responsibility as a local church to bring God’s blessing to people beyond the borders of our own city, state, and nation. As we do every year, we will be asking you to consider making a financial pledge during these weeks, above and beyond your giving to the church, to help us support those 13 Global Partners.
We will also be talking about other ways to partner with them in their various countries and ministries. Maybe the most important task of partnership is prayer. In the midst of preparing for my sermon a couple of weeks ago, I came to a new understanding of the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9 – 13). I’ve always recited the second line, “Hallowed be your name,” as a praise of our Father, as in, “I hallow (honor/respect/revere) your name.” However, it is better translated as, “May your name be hallowed.” It’s a request, a supplication, not a praise.
There are many people in our city and around the world who do not ‘hallow’ his name, who do not give Father, Son, and Spirit the honor they are due. Our Global Partners are trying to change that. Perhaps you might use the Lord’s Prayer to ask for their success. In my sermon on March 17, I adapted the Lord’s Prayer into a believer’s priestly prayer (which may be what Jesus intended in the first place), and we prayed it together. I’ve printed it here for those who have asked for a copy and for those who will join me in praying this way for our city, state, nation, the nations where our Global Partners serve, and the world.
Our Father who art in heaven,
cause your name to be hallowed in Portland and in my neighborhood [or a person or place on your heart],
because it is not hallowed there now.
Cause the kingdom of Jesus to come to this city and dominate it so that your will is as unhesitatingly done here as it is by the angels of heaven.
Provide for the people of this city all that they need to survive and to thrive under your grace,
And oh, father, cause them to trust in Jesus and so forgive their sins, and then give them your heart of forgiveness for others.
Protect the people and the leaders of this city from the temptation to be unjust and oppressive and violent,
and deliver those who are victims of those evils now.
For you are the king, and you have the power to do all that we ask, and yours will be the glory when your kingdom is fully in place here.
See you Sunday,
Wayne