7 Diverse Christian Leaders Share Their Prayers for 2019

Josh Shepherd : Jan 7, 2019
Stream.org

From White House faith advisors to pastors in the heartland, these leaders are seeking God on behalf of the nation as they start the new year in prayer.

[Stream.org] After the buzz of late-night parties, many Americans take time to look ahead at the new year. Resolutions for new diet and exercise regimens are popular. Yet people of faith also look higher to process goals, hopes, and dreams for the year set to unfold. (Photo: Creative Commons-Pixabay)

This is especially true of faith leaders. The Stream spoke to several, across diverse ethnicities, generations, faith traditions, and worship styles. Yet each hold to the Holy Bible as a common sacred text.

They shared with us their prayers to God for the new year. Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.

1. Bishop Harry Jackson, Pastor, Hope Christian Church: Washington, DC area

Our nation is at a major crossroads. Alexis de Tocqueville had it right when he said, "America is great because she is good." Her goodness was based on high Christian ideals, which she often has failed to live up to totally. I am praying for a Third Great Awakening in the US beginning in 2019.

My prayer for the nation has five parts. First, may the Lord send His Church to continue to correct and heal the corruption and injustice in our criminal justice system. This prayer is based on Isaiah 59:14. The Body of Christ can be a force for salvation, moral reform, social transformation, and racial healing, according to Psalm 133:1-3. Region by region, I have faith for the Lord to cause His Church to rise up in unity.

Third, I pray God brings His peace to Jerusalem and religious freedom to the Middle East. Psalm 122:6-9, which begins "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem," is very clear. May the Lord also bring revitalization and jobs to urban centers (Isaiah 35:1-4). Finally, we pray God would heal our nation's families. Psalm 68:6-7 says, "You find families for those who are lonely. You set prisoners free and let them prosper."

2. Laura Aguillard, Co-Pastor, LifeHouse Church: Reserve, LA

One thing really burning on my heart is seeking unity in the Church. After 22 years serving a local congregation with my husband, we've rarely seen what Jesus longs for in John 17: "that they would be one." My dream is that the Church would reflect every culture, every nation, and every diverse anointing God has given people.

I believe when we cast aside division as the Church, then all injustices will end—whether prejudice or lives lost to abortion. Everyone will function in their calling, which has significance in the unseen realm. Then we're not fighting against each other but for one cause.

3. Jack Ortego, Regional Director, Man in the Mirror: St. Louis, MO

There is a hunger for connecting. People today are disconnected and disjointed. God may be forcing us to see the importance and value of relationships. Folks who don't know the Lord are really shaken by a society in crisis. God allows us as Believers to be a shoulder for them to lean on.

In Malachi 4:5-6, we see the hearts of fathers turning back to the children and children to fathers. Some older men today are seeing young people who've been abandoned and fatherless. Our hearts are torn. You can't let them wander off into the darkness. God has created a dynamic to bring us together.

In 2019, I pray people look to the Body of Christ as an anchor point. It's not a self-aggrandizement thing. Many don't know they're strong, but others see the strength of God in you... Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

Continue reading here.