For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14
“If we enter the church day and night and implore God to hear our prayers, how careful we should be to hear and grant the petitions of our neighbors in need.”
Francis of Assisi in A Dictionary of Quotes from the Saints, ed. Paul Thigpen (Charlotte: TAN Books, 2001) 8.
I am thankful for this new book to feed my soul with rich quotes from the saints as I travel. I chose this one from St. Francis first in honor of my friend, Randy Kipp, who drives me to the airport as he’s a Franciscan monk.
If we want God to hear our prayers our focus should be granting the petitions of those around us. This means loving and serving our neighbor and meeting their needs as soon as we learn them. This calls for keen listening.
For Randy, that might look like confirming that he can give an airport ride when I send him a text, or lending an ear to a hurting soul, or providing childcare, or some other good work. What might it look like for you?
For me, when I hear of needs around the world, I aim to provide help as soon as I can. My goal is to empower those I serve with the help of the GTP global network and any resources or assistance I can rally with my influence.
This does not appear as giving handouts that create dependencies but as giving a hand up to build disciples. This means I customize my response so as to scratch where it itches. In that sense it is incarnational and relational.
Over recent months I’ve listened and learned of many needs in Egypt. Stewards want coaching to help ministries follow the NABLA standards. Board members want to be trained to provide oversight. Others want fundraising help.
The cry for spiritual and strategic assistance has led to much preparation. We have many meetings planned over the next two weeks. Pray with me for God’s favor, that the events will bear fruit that lasts.
And just like we want God to come to our aid graciously and generously, as you hear of opportunities I pray God inspires you to assist your neighbor with just what they need. We’ve got this. God’s got us!
I am safely in Frankfurt and head to Cairo and Alexandria shortly. Thanks for your prayers as I travel.