Pastor Brian Houston of Hillsong Church in Australia next encouraged pastors and believers to be a light to the world during this dark time. Referencing Isaiah 60, the pastor said, “Who would’ve thought even just a month ago that at Easter, all of us would be being innovative and coming up with new ways to take the gospel out to thousands, between us all, millions of people. It’s a great opportunity for us to truly be the light.”
He encouraged pastors to be calm and not fearful about spreading the gospel this Easter, emphasizing that God would help them do so. “Be bolder than ever before when it comes to the word that you preach,” Houston said. “Have confidence that God is with you.”
Nicky and Pippa Gumbel of Holy Trinity Brompton in England had similar words of exhortation and prayer for pastors as Easter approaches. Said Pippa, “People feel as though everything has been taken away from them and they’re looking, like they were looking for Jesus when he was taken away from them.” Nicky said he’s never known of another time when people are less distracted and more open to the gospel.
The couple prayed for God’s grace and anointing on pastors as they prepare their Easter messages. “Come Holy Spirit and fill each person who is watching this right now,” said Nicky. Pippa added, “We pray for every pastor as they prepare these messages at Easter, that you would give them wisdom, revelation, that you would empower them as they write these messages. Lord, would you strengthen them. Everyone who is weary, would you refresh them with your living water.”
Dr. Laurent Mbanda, the archbishop of the Anglican Church in Rwanda, next prayed for spiritual revival for Africa and the world. Even though our churches are closed, he said, our Bibles and fellowship with God is not closed. If we seek God, when the pandemic is over, we can come out stronger than ever. “My brothers and sisters, I encourage you,” he said. “I encourage you to pray for our personal relationship and fellowship with God.” The archbishop noted there seems to be a low awareness of God in many places in the world. “How I pray,” he said, “that we will take this time to pray for each other and to pray for spiritual revival. “
Rick and Kay Warren closed the prayer gathering by encouraging pastors to depend entirely on God, trusting in the promise of Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
“Your ministry matters to God,” said Rick Warren. “God bless you my friends, as we go into Holy Week. God be with you.”
