From Ron Charles, State of Christianity in Egypt
Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate. So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come. —Hebrews 13
Lord Jesus,
We come to you with open arms. Not holding anything tightly, but seeking your love and care. As I look around this room, I see things that I've purchased, gifts, books, monitors, Bibles, posters, crumpled up notes, keepsakes, kid's art, posters, plastic, wood, paper, metal, rock . . . Every single item here will return to You, Lord. Men gave their lives for these things. Some literally gave blood (for Scripture, the copy of the Declaration of Independence, the governments won) but others sacrificed more slowly-one missed dinner or soccer game at a time-to bring together this motley collection of junk.
Someday, whether through death or disaster or carelessness or time, each of these Bibles and things will pass from my grasp.
But where do they go, Lord? You know. You've always known. Not a turned leaf escapes your gaze. You account for each and every piece of your creation. You know our way before we know it. You know where I'll fall and where I'll rise. You know, Lord.
I come to you with nothing to trade. In fact . . .
. . . I've been wrong. I've sought glory for myself. I've failed to live up to the gifts you've given me. I've spoken harshly and I've squandered Your great resources. I bring you nothing but the smallest of offerings, a veritable two turtledoves (Leviticus 12:8).
But there is something, Lord, so in need of Your care that I cannot let my weakness and poverty prevent me from entering Your presence. You know them, Lord, surely by name. We'd call them the Zabbaleen, but you know them as dearly as a child, don't you, Lord?
They're in peril, Lord. They have no place in this world. They have Your joy, Lord, but they're forced to live among the garbage. They find sustenance on what we have discarded. They feed themselves and even others on what I discard. And so, I ask You these six things, Lord:
I love You, Lord. Amen.
Prayers for is a new series I'm starting where I will begin a prayer for something in our community. I'd encourage you to add your own prayer on the website, below, too. This prayer was born out of a talk that Dr. Ron Charles, founder of the Cubit Foundation, gave to our Family Ties PRUMC Sunday school class. If you'd like more information on this group of Christians that are in peril, reach out to Ron through of the Cubit Foundation website and listen to the audio lesson on the player, below or linked here-The State of Christianity in Egypt. They have an incredible ministry sharing Jesus with widows in Egypt that would certainly covet your prayers and support. As always, if you'd like to get these posts sent to you via email (and you're not already), click here to register and make sure to tell us that you're a Back Porch Friend.
Thanks, and l love you.
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