AL: Joni, your background is Reformed Episcopalian... and I saw on the church calendar that this Sunday is Pentecost.
JONI: That’s right... after Christ rose from the dead, and after he ascended into heaven, it was 50 days later that the Holy Spirit descended upon the followers of Jesus. And that's when the church was born.
AL: ... and she's been growing ever since!
JONI: ... That’s right… weaker members, stronger members, some with gifts of teaching, others with gifts of encouragement or preaching...
AL: ... or giving or leadership...
JONI: ... That’s right, and each member of the body of Christ is empowered by the Holy Spirit as we obey... and as we pray!
AL: You know, it occurs to me that we are often quick to criticize the church, but not as quick to pray for the church.
JONI: That is so true, Al. Well, hey, I don't want to be caught criticizing and picking-apart the bride of Jesus Christ. That’s why we need to be praying for the church... praying like a quadriplegic man I know in Springfield, Illinois.
AL: Well, what's his story, Joni?
JONI: Well, the station manager of WLUJ contacted us about this man. This quadriplegic guy is completely paralyzed – he’s able to make some facial expressions, but that’s about it – although his mind is sharp and active. He loves Jesus and he loves listening to WLUJ which, of course, includes this program…
AL: And I’m sure this gentleman who’s paralyzed identifies with you… no wonder he enjoys listening.
JONI: Well, he also enjoys praying. He prays for the Christian community in Springfield, Illinois, and he also prays for the outreach of his Christian radio station. And I tell you, the station management at WLUJ feel so privileged, so honored, so delighted that their needs are being lifted up by this guy who is completely paralyzed, he cannot talk, he cannot get out of his home… yet he loves to pray. Every week he receives a page of prayer requests – probably many listeners call in to ask for prayer – and my quadriplegic friend spends each day lifting up the needs of WLUJ and their listeners… he lifts them up before the Lord.
AL: Wow, wouldn’t it be wonderful if every Christian radio station across the country had a prayer warrior like he is!
JONI: Well, this station right here probably does, and the great thing is, Psalm 10:17 tells us that God hears the cry of the afflicted – don’t you love that? God bends over and He cups His ear to especially hear the prayers of those who suffer affliction. And when people with disabilities pray for the body of Christ, well, the church couldn’t have a greater or more valued team of people praying.
AL: So friend listening, please be in prayer for this station as the Gospel of Christ reaches deep into this community… And drop them a note and tell them that you are praying for them. They’d really appreciate it.
JONI: I know they would. And friend listening, if you are disabled, please also know this wonderful station and the entire team here are so grateful for your Holy Spirit-inspired prayers.
Used by permission of
JONI AND FRIENDS
P.O. Box 3333
Agoura Hills, CA 93176
© Joni and Friends