By: Peter Larocue – September, 2011
In my August Valley Patriot column I wrote about having an event where we the Citizens of Lawrence who believe in the power of prayer could come together in unity to pray for ourselves and family and our homes and for the City of Lawrence and its officials. With all that is going on in and with our city, I think prayer is just what is needed. Well I took the time to go through the process of acquiring a permit for this very purpose. The following is the official invitation for the Season of Prayer for the City of Lawrence. This is something I believe we can do in a positive and peaceful manner that will have a profound effect on the City and its Citizens.
A Season of Prayer for the City of Lawrence. This is an invitation to all Lawrence Citizens who believe in prayer and the power of prayer to join together on Monday September 26, 2011 from 7:00PM. – 8:00PM, at the Campagnone Common Park, around the Robert Frost Fountain, for a time of prayer for yourself and your family and your neighbors and the City of Lawrence. This is a non-political event, asking God for his help to unify us as Citizens of the great City of Lawrence praying for our Quality of Life Issues. Prayers will be made for the Safety of our Families and Homes and Property, as well for our Police Officers and Firefighters, for less crime and fewer fires in the city. Prayers will also be made for our Teachers and for those serving in the Military and elected and non-elected City Officials and more…..
You may be asking why we should have a special time of prayer singling out the City of Lawrence. Besides the fact that Lawrence could use it, probably the most important reason out of them all, to have a special time of prayer for Lawrence is found in Philippians 4:6(AMP), “Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite, [exact, precise, clear], request) with thanksgiving continue to make your wants known to God.” This is exactly what we are going to do. We are making a clear and precise and exact request of God for ourselves as Lawrence Citizens and for the City. We are asking for God’s protection over ourselves and families and our City.
I chose Monday September 26, 2011 because it is well past the 10th Anniversary of September 11, 2001. That event should stand alone! Also the 26th of September is after the city’s primary election which takes place on Tuesday the 20th of September. I do not want the Season of Prayer for Lawrence having any appearance of politics being involved.
The Bible also instructs us to pray for all those who are in authority and gives us the reason why in 1Timothy 2: 1-3,
“I exhort therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that (the purpose being) we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;”
Can you imagine living a quiet and peaceable life in Lawrence? God says it’s available and that it is GOOD in His sight!
In addition to praying for ourselves, God wants us to pray for those who are in authority, those in a leadership position, making decisions that affect our quality of life. This is an opportunity for us to pray for them instead of finding fault or criticizing them. What a refreshing thought, don’t you think?
Together we can be a part of something good, Monday September 26, 2011.