I recently attended a local Christian community event with a bunch of artsy people. We sat around and wrote music together, prayed, talked about church and things we looked forward to in a life with God. It was a refreshing experience. Kumbaya.

One of the main speakers talked about hunger (of which has been wrecking me ever since). He used the example of having a child who wasn’t hungry- we all agree that would be worrisome. If this was the case, you would take your child to the doctor. Obviously, something would need to be done, as it is natural to desire food. Yet somehow our spiritual lives seem to skip over that worry, at least mine does. If I’m not hungry for God, that’s a problem and I believe I need to go to the Doctor.

Let’s steer away from the thought that it’s bad to be hungry. Why? I’ve enjoyed a Chipotle burrito the most when I’m “starved”. I can’t get water in my face quick enough when I’m thirsty from a long hike or day of bike riding.

I want to challenge you to pray for hunger. Perhaps you’re hungry for God already and that’s not a problem for you. Great- but pray for our communities to become hungry for God as well. Pray that the church would desire God in a way that we feel we would die without Him, that we can’t get enough. Pray that He would place in us the spiritual desire for nourishment. Rid us of ourselves so that there is room for You, God.

Pray over Next Step and all that Jesus’ hand touches through us. For homeowners, organizations, and churches to love the broken, unbelievers, people who are homeless, people with addiction, and those with mental health challenges. Pray that the fruits of the Spirit would rule within the hearts of our communities, hopes, finances, the list goes on. May the light pour out of those who are hungry for the Kingdom.

 

My soul is crushed with longing After Your ordinances at all times.

Psalm 119:20

Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.

Psalm 73:25

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God?

Psalm 42:2

O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water.

Psalm 63:1

I stretch out my hands to You; My soul longs for You, as a parched land. Selah.

Psalm 143:6