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18 Aug

August Prayer Meeting Reflections

Every Lunchtime Prayer Meeting is a precious time when we fellowship together. We also love how the Lord places on our speakers’ hearts a ‘now word’ of encouragement. And during our summertime online gathering, there was energy, that spark as our speakers shared about creativity, about our Creator God.

That’s the kind of reminder and encouragement we need. Sandra Godley, O’Neil Dennis, Leah Sax and Olu Osinoiki spoke there was a synergy. Why? Because there was truth. Underpinning their individual stories was the testimony of God working in their lives.

O’Neil Dennis, Chief Editor A Step FWD and Founder of the UK Christian Chart, brought this out when he reflected on the well-known Bible verse, ‘I am who I am’ (Exodus 3:14). Dennis drew out a different dimension, reminding us that God has created us with a purpose. Though we were praying today for musicians and photographers, each of us has unique abilities. As Dennis said, ‘Before you get to the gifting, it’s the ‘I am’ who has sent you, that supersedes everything else.’ We go in the strength of the Lord, not in our own. This is what underpins us as Christians in media.

Leah Sax, International Musician expanded on this, sharing the reality of what’s facing musicians with the cost-of-living crisis and the experience of working in the secular environment. That irrespective of what space we occupy, we share Jesus’ love through how we are to others. We have confidence in the authority given to us (Matthew 28:18) Leah said she stands on that authority, ‘Firstly, I’m a daughter of God. Secondly, I’m a player of sax’.

Leah and Sandra Godley, MOBO Nominee, Broadcaster, TV Presenter and Singer Songwriter spoke about how important it is within the musician’s life to set aside that time for fellowship. Those attending echoed this in their comments. About how we need to meet with other Christians who understand, who listen. That was one of Leah’s suggestions to prioritise time with other Christians and not let work be an idol.

We know as Christians in the media life isn’t all easy. We face struggles and hardships. Olu Osinoiki, Photographer, Videographer and Creative Director, Olu Media honestly shared about how the Lord has helped him process life’s challenges through creativity. Of how creativity can be seen as a service. That truth about who God is and his promises was drawn out. God can do a lot of things when he wants you to go in a certain direction, ‘He who promises is faithful’ (Hebrews 10:23).

Many statements resonated with me personally, though I’m not a musician or photographer, which is what I love about our Lunchtime Prayer Meetings. Though we #pray4media across the many media roles, you don’t need to be in them to attend. No, these times together are to reinforce that we are not alone. There are other Christians working across media. And to pray for each other.

Coming back to Olu, one of his photography tips made me chuckle when he said, ‘It’s all about the lighting’. This is what can make the difference between a great and not-so-great image. I was reminded about God’s light (1 John 1:5), of how his first act as Creator God was to speak light into the darkness (Genesis 1:3). That we are filled with his light (John 8:12). That the energy and preciousness of spending time together in our meeting was because we are all his children.

“Here at Christians in Media we will continue to pray for you. For strength in your circumstances, for opportunities to shine not in your own effort, but in the confidence of knowing you have his authority, his foundation because you are going forward in the ‘Great I am’ (John 4:26). ”