A simple challenge Five for five for eleven. Five friends. Five minutes. Eleven days. For the past two years I have encouraged us to take part in Thy Kingdom Come “a global prayer movement that invites Christians around the world to pray for more people to come to know Jesus.” I want to challenge us to do this again. Here’s how it works: Think of five people (friends, family, coworkers, acquaintances) who don’t have a relationship with Jesus. Write their names down. Then take five minutes every day from Ascension (May 13) to Pentecost (May 23) to pray for them. You might offer a simple prayer like “God, Let your kingdom come in the life of my friend ____. May they come to have faith in your Son Jesus.” In doing this you will be joining with people all around the globe who are praying for God’s kingdom to come here on earth. Don’t be afraid to ask God to strengthen your own walk of faith during this time as well. This is from the Thy Kingdom Come website: “Since its start in May 2016 God has grown Thy Kingdom Come from a dream of possibility into a movement. Christians from 172 countries have taken part in praying ‘Come Holy Spirit’, so that friends and family, neighbors and colleagues might come to faith in Jesus Christ. This praying together has been across our diversity and differences as every person, household and church are encouraged to pray in their own way. According to our annual survey findings an astonishing percentage of people said they were praying for family and friends to come to faith in Jesus, and a significant number of people join in for the first time, we recognize there is much more we can do together to help Thy Kingdom Come be fully in the lifeblood of the Church. During the 11 days of Thy Kingdom Come, it is hoped that everyone who takes part will:
• Deepen their own relationship with Jesus Christ
• Pray for 5 friends or family to come to faith in Jesus
• Pray for the empowerment of the Spirit that we would be effective in our witness”
Again, I invite you to join with me in prayer for our for those we love (especially those who have not yet come to faith), for our community, and for the world.More information and resources can be found here.
Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen. Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated unto you; and then use us, we pray you, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. Blessings, Matthew+ | 
