Closed Doors and Open Arms ~ Sunday's National Day of Prayer

What a day! Nothing is the same. 

I miss getting ready for church. Never before had I realized how much I prayed as I dress for church. Often, I had thanked God that here in America we could go to church without worries or concerns. It’s been a norm praying for those who were going to share in-depth insights into the Word. A quick “thanks” for a good hair day came as many times as an acceptance of “oh-well” hair days too. 

As my vanity in dressing up showed on the outside, I stepped on my own spiritual toes by asking myself many a Sundays, “Who am I trying to impress.” On occasions, shamefully my silent answers had a name other than Jesus. How I would like to say I prayed for them when my toes smarted. It didn’t happen as often as it should have before I rushed to the open doors of the church building. 

On this unusual Sunday with the church doors locked and the windows don’t shine with warm lights pouring out, I set in my warm-up suit without make-up or curled hair. Nevertheless, prayers aren’t locked up or lightless. 

In fact, I’m joining hearts across America on this day of prayer. This new-found fellowship in joint prayer has clothed me in so much more than clean clothes, perfect hair, and make-up. My spirit feels brighter and happier than I could have imagined if someone would have told me, “You can’t go to church on Sunday.” 

So far in this pause of semi-isolation, I’ve poured over scriptures that have guided me in prayers for our president, high ranking decision-makers, doctors, health caregivers, the ill, and our nation as a whole. 

May America return once again into a nation of unity and in a voice that shouts, 

“In God we trust.” 

In my search for what to wear throughout today, I’ll be wrapping myself in 1Timothy 2:1-4 and James 5:15. 

1 Timothy 2:1-4 (ESV) 2 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 

James 5:15 (ESV)15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

Prayers don't need open doors for people to come together to lift up our leaders or the sick - only open hearts. 

May this unusual Sunday bring great blessings as we all pause in prayer for those whom the Holy Spirit puts on our hearts. 

How privileged we are to be able to go to the always open arms of Jesus Christ. He is so much more than a building, an event, or a routine of Sunday gathering. 

Rejoicing in Jesus,                 

Carolyn