December Lunchtime Prayer Meeting Reflections

17 Jan

The English poet and hymn writer, William Cowper, once said, ‘Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saints upon their knees.’

Our prayers move the heart and hand of God. When we pray, great things happen, At Christians in Media, we have seen great answers to prayer.

Our Lunchtime Prayer Meetings provide a wonderful opportunity to pray for different aspects of media: to be inspired and encouraged by those on the media frontline. People like Mark Kelly, writer, communicator, video content creator, technology enthusiast and Christians in Media Leeds Hub Leader: one of three guests at our final Lunchtime Prayer Meeting of 2023 focussing upon conferences, events and festivals.

‘I thought I would be an actor, write books, but God had a different script,’ said Mark. ‘He took me on a different journey; one that included marriage, Bible College, Church Leadership.’

For Mark, versatility and adaptability have been the hallmark of his spiritual journey. When the church he led for some thirteen years closed, God moved Mark from the pulpit into the digital sphere to create online content, communicating God’s love in new, creative ways, including his own YouTube channel ‘The Spark’.

This same thread of adaptability linked all our guest speakers. Singer, songwriter, author and presenter, Shell Perris, felt she had heard God’s voice telling her to fill the Coventry arena with a major Christian event. A date was pencilled in. Fundraising commenced. Yet, it didn’t come to pass. God had other ideas.

He brought the local Anglican diocese and Shell together to plan, and organise, an event for some 9,000 children. ‘Alive 2023’ would be the Praise Party to beat all parties. Shell then used her musical gifts to write a song based on the theme, ‘World Changers’. From a word received in lockdown to an arena packed full of praising children, Shell became part of a team inspired by our Lord.

‘Festivals act as a catalyst for the rest of the year, providing fresh encounters with Jesus emboldening us when we return to our local communities,’ said our third speaker, the Rev. Matt Hogg, Founder of Stronger Network and Leadership Enabler at Church Pastoral Aid Society. ‘Wait for the Holy Spirit to give you vision,’ he urged. ‘Be bold and step out in faith.’

Our ideas may not be His ideas as Mark and Shell would testify. Yet, He still chose to use their gifts and talents to glorify Him in ways that made a bigger impact. Their testimony was an encouragement to keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus.

If you are planning an event, a festival, a conference this year, take heart from our three wonderful guests. Even if your plans and dreams do not turn out as you imagine, God knows your heart and never wastes anything. He will turn your sadness into joy for His glory, because He knows the bigger picture.

Stand with us as we pray for media and be encouraged at our next online Lunchtime Prayer Meeting. Thursday 29 February, 12-1pm. Book your place via this link.