The Power of Prayer and Love (by Chris Barnes)

​Hello Brothers and Sisters, Chris here;
Firstly, let me just say that I miss everyone very much and that you are all in my prayers. It has been a blessing to talk with many of you on the phone and I hope to hear all of your voices soon.
Many aspects of life have changed so much since the last time we all met together. Every day seems to be a little different and we try to adjust accordingly. Our inability to meet as a group is hard to understand but it is important to stay in contact and be there for each other in any way we can. Over the last two weeks God has reminded me a couple of things.
The first reminder is that no matter where we are and no matter the circumstances, our prayer can make a difference. I am reminded of the story of Peter in prison awaiting trial in the Book of Acts (Chapter 12). The church was being persecuted and one of the Apostles (James) was recently killed. Peter was in prison and everything seemed absolutely hopeless. At this time, many of the believers were joined for prayer at Mary’s house (Mother of John Mark).  We read what happened in Acts 12: 5-10.
So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.8 Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. 9 Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.
Let us never forget the power of prayer and the difference prayer can make for situations happening around us and for ourselves as well.
The second reminder is just how incredible God’s love for us is. Through my conversations with many this past week it has been encouraging to hear the good our Lord Jesus is doing through this time. This is happening as we spend more time in prayer, get deeper into his Word and understand more clearly our need for each other. It is clear through this time how much God loves us and wants to have deeper relationships with all of us.
God’s love for us knows no bounds and He want to lavish us with His love in this time. There are no ends to His love and it is available to all of us. Dare I say, God’s love for us is reckless?
Below is the video for the song “Reckless Love”. When we visit the Manitoba Youth Center, this is the song that all the youth ask Jeff Lukin to play every visit. Please listen and enjoy.
Love you all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc6SSHuZvQE