On October 27, 2014, BBC Africa posted on their social media outlets, “Today we are asking the question: ‘Is the widespread panic about #Ebola justified?’—and we’re looking for callers. . . . Statistically, Ebola still kills far fewer people than malaria and other diseases. So why has it dominated the headlines?”
The disease is a scary one, particularly for the countries that are hit hardest by the outbreak. But while the masses, even those living thousands of miles from affected areas, voiced concern about their own safety, I was encouraged by individual believers in Jesus and ministries that chose to pray for those actually suffering from the disease. One parachurch group, Young Life Africa, carried the prayer torch by launching “91 for 91 Prayer for West Africa.”
Why 91? After Young Life Africa staff members in Liberia and Sierra Leone expressed the hope and strength they had been gaining through Psalm 91, the ministry at large decided to call on the body of Christ to pray this passage daily over West Africa.
I joined the prayer group and was humbled and honored to approach God on behalf of those who were truly suffering, not simply fearing for my own health. Together, believers around the world prayed that the West African people would: live in the shelter of the Most High and find rest and refuge in the Lord Almighty (Psalm 91:1); experience God’s rescue from every trap and His protection from the deadly disease (Psalm 91:3); call to the Lord in their trouble and trust in His name (Psalm 91:14-15).
Will you join me today in praying for people affected by serious diseases and other people you know who are in need? Our God is greater than any trial or affliction life can bring.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 18:1-24
More:
Read Psalm 25:14, Psalm 34:4, Psalm 46:1-2, and Psalm 103:13 and consider the encouraging words found in these verses.
Next:
What words found in Psalm 91:1-16 most inspire you? How does prayer move us to draw closer to God and others?
Gary Shultz on September 21, 2015 at 7:53 am
We need people like you to keep reminding us of life lived on a less protected and comfortable place. They are our brothers and sisters too and they need and deserve our prayers. I’m guessing that you would be looking at near and far conditions of Psalm 91 because we know Christians do suffer and loose life, sometimes in most horrible ways. I think the whole deal was in the last line of the “next” section. What inspires us and draws us closer to God. Will all of those promises be fulfilled for all today? They can be in some instances, but I know of a place where we will be gathered under His care and we will rejoice with our brethren, sisters included, in God’s eternal hand of protection for each one, all the time, in every way. And there lays hope, and hope is the refuge we have at all times in any condition. Thanks for that reminder
Tom Felten on September 21, 2015 at 9:19 am
Thanks for sharing, Roxanne. Prayer is so vital, for both those we’re praying for as well as for our own hearts and spiritual growth.
Adriel L. on September 21, 2015 at 10:05 am
Thanks for sharing, Roxanne. I will join you in prayer. How can I find out more about the situation in West Africa?
Roxanne Robbins on September 21, 2015 at 10:52 am
Adriel – Thank you for your eagerness to learn more about prayer needs in West Africa. Two ministries I’m familiar with, whose devoted staff remained and served in Liberia and other parts of West Africa even during the most challenging days of the Ebola crisis, are:
Young Life Africa (contains regular updates on the region): https://africa.younglife.org/Pages/home.aspx
(Young Life Africa 91 Days of Prayer): https://www.facebook.com/groups/281044282084806/
Samaritan’s Purse: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/donation-items/liberia-ebola-response/
God bless,
Roxanne
Winn Collier on October 3, 2015 at 4:27 pm
Thank you for this invitation.