September: The Way to Revelation 7:9

By Maxie Dunnam

We have struggled with that for a long time in the United Methodist Church.

It is with sadness, and through deep and abiding prayer, expansive conversation, we have concluded the best way forward through our theological impasse and disobedience is separation. Just stating that brings me to the verge of tears. Despite the tears, I have great joy that we have established and are developing a fresh expression of the Wesleyan way: The Global Methodist Church (GMC).

As I have participated in the emerging of this reality, two sections of Scripture have been especially meaningful. The first describes the triumphant church (Rev. 7:9-10). We dare not pray for anything less than “a great multitude that not one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.”

For what were they so excited about and praising God? “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” The word “salvation” in Greek means to be made safe, to be salvaged. Our fresh expression must major in salvation, people being saved. And we must not forget that the word carries with it the connotation of wholeness and healing. It is the New Testament word that expresses the rich meaning of the Old Testament word Shalom.

As the church triumphant gathered around the throne celebrating full salvation, the GMC must live now as the church militant, guided, and empowered by Scripture, God’s “breathed word.” That’s the reason Paul’s word to the Philippians has had such meaning to me as I have struggled with and made my decision and commitment to a fresh expression of our Wesleyan faith and way.

Out of his own experience, from a dark and dingy cell, Paul provides revelation to what really matters if we wish to live the Christian life. The following prayer points will inspire and assist you in discerning what really matters to you personally, how you participate in your present community of faith and/or share in new expressions that are rising.

A Suggested Pattern of Prayer

As you pray through the following prayer points, invite the presence of the Lord into your time of prayer. Each day’s prompt has a Scripture reference for you to pray through. As you pray allow time to also listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to you. When you have prayed through the Scripture and prayer point, you may be led to add your own prayers. Pray and consider what action steps might you take in response to the Lord’s leading. Repeat this prayer pattern weekly for the month.

Daily Prayer Points

Sunday: Pray that our worship in the GMC would resemble the gathering described in the book of Revelation of “all nations” and “peoples” gathered before the throne celebrating the great salvation we have in Jesus Christ. (Revelation 7:9-10)

Monday: Pray for the needs of those in your congregation and how to reach out to those currently not attending. (Galatians 6:9-10)

Tuesday: Pray that the GMC be firmly and definitively grounded in the Holy Scriptures. (2 Timothy 3:16)

Wednesday: Pray that we, like the apostle Paul, would be willing to lose all things for the sake of gaining Christ. (Philippians 3:7-9)

Thursday: Pray that we would be willing, when called, to participate in the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings and that the persecution will result in the spread of the gospel. (Philippians 3:10)

Friday: Pray the power of Christ’s resurrection be evident in your life and others through bold proclamation and transformed living. (Philippians 3:10-11)

Saturday: Pray that your church may experience the same mind of Christ while prayerfully discerning what Christ is saying regarding affiliation with the GMC. (Philippians 3:12-16)

And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God,

who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:10)

Brought to you by the International Intercessory Prayer Network of the Wesleyan Covenant Association