Prayer Tip--Why Church?

At its best, the church is a living expression of God’s heart for the world. In Ezekiel 34, we hear God’s grief over leaders who neglected their sacred duty to care for the vulnerable, the lost, the wounded. But we also hear God’s promise: “I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep.” God seeks out the strayed, binds up the broken, strengthens the weak. This is the kind of care God offers—and the kind of care we are called to embody as the church.

When Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:16 to let our light shine so others see our good works, it’s not for our glory but for God’s. When we reflect God’s care, compassion, and healing, people catch a glimpse of what God’s kingdom is all about. That’s why this church, our church, matters. It’s not just a gathering place; for 35 years now, it’s a movement of people learning to shine, serve, and shepherd in the name of God’s love.

This week, I invite you to join in the work of God’s shepherding through something beautifully simple: prayer. As you come to church—whether in person or online—open your heart to the people around you. Notice someone you might normally pass by. It could be the usher who handed you a bulletin, a family sitting across the aisle, or even a stranger you see at the grocery store. Let God bring them to your mind and take a moment to pray for them.

This act of prayer may seem small, but it’s a seed—one that connects you to God’s work of restoration and reconciliation in the world. When you pray for someone else, you affirm that this church—our church—is a place where God’s heart is alive and active, a community where the lost are sought, the weak are strengthened, and the light of Christ shines brightly.

Why the church? Because God’s light is shining here. And because God is inviting each of us to shine that light for others. Let’s pray it forward this week. Together, let’s embody God’s care.