September 2021

Dear Christian Union New York Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,

“And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none.” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭22:30

While Afghan Christians are choosing to receive the seats of honor in heaven as martyrs - spoken of in the book of Revelation - we kingdom bearers still have freedom to practice our faith on this earth and cry out to Jesus for godly leadership at every secular level and in the churches. What a gift we have at our fingertips, if we would only actuate it to its potential. As a Christian leadership development ministry, our charge this month to ourselves and our cherished brothers and sisters in the New York area is to pray fervently for our leaders, both secular and sacred. Do we believe God can turn our hearts back to Him and rescue us from this evil day? Let’s remember together that faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. Do we believe all things are possible with God? New York is on the cusp of monumental leadership shifts and transition in many areas. As believers, carrying the Spirit and authority of the High King Jesus, we are called to intercede for our cities, our governmental leaders, our pastors, and all those in positions of authority.
God can know our thoughts but Satan can not. Satan can only hear an audible rebuke and he trembles when he hears the people of God praying in the authority of God. As God’s spoken Word carries power to create all that exists, let us image-bearers act according to His own character and speak! Let’s follow in His imparted authority and speak life over our city, bind up the works of darkness and deception in the name of Jesus, and call for God to have mercy on us. May He install God-fearing leaders in the soon to be revolving seats of governor and mayor in particular. May the “seven mountains” of media, government, education, economy, family, religion, and entertainment become transformed by many of YOU - godly, humble, servant-hearted, bold Christian leaders. This dramatic cultural shift would be nothing less than a merciful move of God and we must demonstrate our faith in Him by asking Him to intervene and do the otherwise naturally impossible. At the root of prayerlessness is the sin of unbelief. If we really believe it matters that we pray, we will pray!

If we do not declare God’s kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven, who will? For the month of September, this ushering in of a new season, will you commit with me to pray each day this month for God’s mercy in establishing God-fearing leaders for our local community, churches, and this nation for which we have been called to intercede? Let us grab hold of the throne of grace and contend until God answers.

“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:7‬

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

“Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭2:10-12

Please reply this month and let us know how the Spirit is inspiring your prayers! Your responses will give us hints into what God is doing because He leads our prayers accordingly. As pastor and author Matthew Henry once stated, “When God intends great mercy for the people, He first of all sets them praying.” How is God setting you praying?

All our love to you,

Karen Hetzler
Assistant Ministry Director
Christian Union New York