by Chantel Poisel, Communications Coordinator, Sidewalk Advocates for Life
Verses: “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” — Hebrews 4:16
Reflection: Today’s email shares a story of three Sidewalk Advocates praying and reaching out in love to women-in-crisis on the sidewalk in front of an abortion facility. The photo shows a man praying, and our Executive Director, Lauren, walking with a woman, escorting her to a pregnancy center next door.
This photo embraces the spirit of this verse.
We can come boldly to the throne of grace — through prayer. We may, then, obtain mercy for our shortcomings. We will then find grace to help in times of need — grace for ourselves to know how to help, and grace for those we are trying to help.
This verse reminds us that it all starts in prayer — by coming boldly, purposefully, to the throne of grace. Every time we are present on the sidewalk, we must start in prayer. It prepares our hearts and fills us with grace that we can then share with those we encounter.
We never walk alone. When we come to the thrown of grace, we invite the Holy Spirit in and He walks with us. Those who are covering us in prayer are walking with us.
Just like Lauren is walking with the woman in the photo to a place where she can receive real help, the Lord walks with us each step of the way — if we allow Him.
Let us pray: Dear Lord, Thank you for your overflowing mercy and grace!
Prepare our hearts as we go out to the sidewalks to minister to those in need of help. Thank you for the reminder that the first step is always coming to you, to your throne of grace. Thank you for your presence, and the reminder that we never walk alone.
Help us to show your mercy and grace to the men and women we encounter, and allow us to come alongside them with encouragement in the right direction as we strive to follow your example and love them to a better place.
Through your mercy and grace, help us to help those-in-need. Help us to honor you through the work we do, that you may be glorified in all things. Amen.