Introduction
On February 3, I received a text message from Rob Parker, noting the rising animosity that many Canadians were feeling toward our American neighbours about the implementation of tariffs.
Rob’s concern was that churches in Canada were also beginning to allow that same spirit of animosity to grip them. When Rob suggested that we come at this with an opposite spirit—it resonated with me. The idea is that we should encourage Canadian churches to pray for American and Mexican Churches.
Later in February, I attended the annual conference of the Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches of North America (PCCNA). Many leaders from Canada, America, and Mexico were gathered together. I had the opportunity to share Rob’s idea of churches in our three countries praying for one another.
Several denominational and fellowship leaders expressed their support for the idea and indicated that they would encourage churches in their networks to find churches in other countries to pray for—and maybe churches praying together online.
I want to encourage all ACOP churches to find a church or churches in America and/or Mexico where they can begin to pray God’s blessing and favour upon them, in keeping with the ideas that Rob mentions in his article found below.
Wes Mills—ACOP President
During worship, on February 2nd, I felt saddened by the growing animosity between our nations, Canada, the United States, and Mexico, because of talks and threats of tariffs. Then, the thought came of our church developing a prayerful relationship with a partner church in the United States. The idea struck a chord with our leadership because it is one way of walking in the opposite spirit (opposite to the animosity rhetoric) and practically and strategically praying for our neighbouring nation and they for us.
As we prayed, we felt this could be something many churches could implement. God blesses unity (Ps. 133), and this is a time for the church to exemplify how our three nations can bless one another.
In building relationships with sister churches, we discover what they sense and discern during these trying times and vice-versa. These strategic relationships could help define the substance and direction of our prayers as we lock arms with one another.
“This postures us to corporately look upward to the one who is Transcendent over all of us and above our governments.”
Implementing the Strategy
We can pray for one another and carry their burdens (Gal. 6:2)!
Churches have spoken of doing a monthly online call with a sister church where congregations can meet and greet one another as we worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
Many, if not most of our churches, have friends and associates in the United States and Mexico. Perhaps we could implement an idea like this by calling those we already have a relationship with. You could likely find a partner church via denominational directories or by simply checking a list of churches in a given city/region.
Pray in the Opposite Spirit?
Keeping our focus and prayers vertical is essential.
Yes, we can become frustrated with what we see going on in our political circles, but when it comes to prayer, we do our best not to pray based on how we are feeling (in the moment) or our personal opinions and judgments.
Praying from the opposite perspective is one which exalts Christ, who is far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. (Eph. 1:21).
We are to seek and gain an alignment to the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:12-16) and pray from His perspective. A gentle reminder: our God doesn’t need our opinions and judgments; He is above all.
Another example (of praying in the opposite spirit): when a leader dishonours and even demeans another leader, we pray for honour and humility. When the crowds are booing at a sporting event, we don’t do the same—we pray blessings, not curses.
We are to be kingdom-minded as we pray—check out an important and corrective passage for us in Romans:
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
—Romans 12:9-21
Doing our best not to be political or partisan in how we pray is important because it can raise division with another who disagrees with you. This doesn’t mean that we cannot have political or partisan opinions, but this doesn’t belong in the dialogue with God. Consider praying the apostolic prayers of Ephesians Chapters 1 & 3.
Being Prepared
I sense we’re in a kairos time for the church in Canada, the U.S, and Mexico. The discipline of praying for all Christians is essential in moving forward and aligning ourselves with God and one another. Opening the doors of communication and praying strategically and practically could result in God’s wisdom coming to Christian leaders and, in turn, bring His blessings to our nations.
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
—1Tim. 2:1
Rev. Rob Parker, pastors at Community Christian Center in Slave Lake, AB. He founded the National House of Prayer, an organization dedicated to the power of prayer towards the betterment of the Government of Canada and all Canadians.