News is currently dominated about concerns of a second wave and the Mayor is meeting with council leaders today to discuss additional measures to restrict the spread of COVID19. At the same time schools and offices are returning and many of us are trying to navigate what a new normal looks like.
So do we pray? I was reminded of Jesus at Lazarus’ tomb:
“[Jesus] cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.””
John 11:44 (NKJV)
After Lazarus came out Jesus had to instruct that the graveclothes be removed. The garments covered Lazarus’ face preventing him to be able to see where he was going as well as impeding his movement. London is emerging from a time of death and confinement and we need to ensure that there is no stench of death and its restricting binding left on us that prevents us from seeing where we should go and walking into that. I do not mean this in the sense of practical restrictions that we navigate to prevent COVID’s spread, but as the spiritual and emotional baggage that we may have picked up during lockdown that is still shaping how we think and act today. This is especially important this week as new steps that may be needed for our corporate safety are discussed.
Firstly, we pray for policy makers, for medical advisors and leaders within London and the Government. We pray that they would be free from fear, grief and anything that has crushed their spirit so that they are able to advise free from the “stench of death” with wisdom and understanding.
Secondly speak the “Come Forth” to London. Let the new things that God is releasing been seen; the new shapes and structures that the church develops as it follows His leadership in this season. New economic models that bring life to our society and enable us to provide for ourselves without mounting debt. I am sure there are many other specific new things you can think of in your part of London or area of work. New organisational structures and priorities are being considered across public bodies (like the NHS) and private firms. Lets pray and shape tomorrow’s London.
Jesus’ words have life and spoke to that which was dead and brought it to life, what are the areas and activities in London that we see are dead and decaying that we need to pray and speak life to? As people discuss the possibility of a donut city (a city without a centre due to the closure of offices) we say no! We speak life to our city centres, where things are being removed we say will not become waste land but fruitful soil for the new things God wants are City to be to emerge.
Jesus, you are the resurrection and the life. We thank you for your life within your body in London. May it be full of the abundance you spoke of, may we speak words of life to our city that enable the places of death to be changed into fruitful fields. We call forth new life and break off every restriction of the old that prevents us walking fully into the new you have for us. Reshape our thinking, and our hearts that we may be fully transformed. Amen.
