Not Just For Me

I was having my cup of coffee this morning and was sitting still before the Lord when I heard resounding shots go off. My initial thoughts were that those shots were too close to home. I ran to my bedroom window and as I looked out, saw a red compact car accelerate backwards down our one-way street. At the same time, I heard shouts and a wailing sound. Indeed, a man had gotten shot only a few doors down. I grabbed my roommate and we started to pray and within moments we heard an ambulance and various police vehicles turn down our street. I observed a medical gurney being pulled out of the ambulance and then shortly after, a man being lifted unto it. My roommate went outside and came back with news that the man had gotten shot in his right thigh and that it wasn't a critical injury. We prayed again and prayed for the injured man and the person in the red car. We prayed that the Lord's Kingdom would become a reality in North Lawndale. As I prayed, I was reminded once again that prayer is not an indulgence; no, prayer is Kingdom work that requires consistency, persistency, and boldness (thank you Pastor Peter for the timely sermon on prayer yesterday). I pray because I believe that God's sovereignty is not so far removed that he does not hear or act on the prayers of the righteous. I pray because he is Immanuel - God with us. God who hears the cries of broken people. God who is merciful, compassionate, slow to anger. Abundant in love and zealous for his glory. God of justice. God who does not turn away, but draws near.