2.11.2026

Dear Grace Family,

If you’ve been on social media this week you may have seen some strong opinions about all kinds of things. Some of these are important issues so I’m not minimizing them but I’m often struck in Scripture that God’s perspective might be different than ours. 

Psalm 2 says, “Why do the nations rage and the people plot in vain? (vs 1) Then the Psalmist says, in verse 4, “The one enthroned in heaven laughs.” This Psalm is not saying that God doesn’t care, but rather that he is amused how people (sometimes even us) think God needs us, or he’s not powerful enough, or he doesn’t know what’s going on. But in reality, the One in heaven knows all things, and is not nervous. 

So what do we do in response to these moments in our culture and every moment we find ourselves in? We first humble ourselves and pray. Then we follow in obedience. We cling to that promise from 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and I will heal their land.” This verse is not primarily about the USA or any country but the principle is still true: what God is looking for is humble prayer, is seeking Him in worship, is repentance. And he is a God who responds.

What a timely verse for us this week as we find ourselves in the middle of our 94 hours of prayer. Our prayer room at Middleburg Heights has had folks in it all week, people have been in prayer times throughout the night. If you haven’t yet taken 5 minutes or more to pray, please do! I always want to at least try to pray as much as I take in emotionally driven social media so my posture will be one of prayer and not anger. 

God has something special in store for us when we seek Him. I can’t wait to hear what He does as a result of prayer this week. On Sunday we’ll be hearing some stories about an outpouring of God a few years ago at Asbury and will be seeking Jesus together as always. I can’t wait to worship with you and seek His face. 

We would love to invite you to join us for our through-the-night prayer gathering in the Prayer Room at our Middleburg Heights campus. Our heart is simply to create a space where we can come together and seek the Lord — following the example of Jesus, who in Gospel of Luke 6:12 “spent the night praying to God.”

A member of our Prayer Team will be present throughout the night on Thursday, so you’re welcome to come and go as you’re able between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Please plan to drive around the building and enter through the north doors — there will be signage to guide you when you arrive.

We would truly love to have you join us for any portion of the night as we seek the Lord together.

With you in faith,

Pastor Tim