For Omaha: Pray for the Mayor & Metro

Last week, our city was stunned to learn that Mayor Jean Stothert's husband, Joe, ended his life suddenly and tragically. How do we respond in the face of tragedy? How do we help in the face of heartache?

The Scriptures provide countless examples for how Jesus calls his people to respond in moments like these so that we become a blessing and alleviate burden for our city and its leaders.

Work Prayerfully

When Israel found herself under exile in Babylon (as a result of her own persistent rebellion), God instructed his people to engage and lean further in rather than disengage and draw back.

"And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare." Jeremiah 29:7

To work for the peace of the city is to actively engage in relationships, opportunities, and endeavors that might enable our city, and its residents, to flourish and experience wholeness.

Among the myriad ways to work for peace is to PRAY for the city, and this especially during moments of heartache and loss.

Together, let's ask God to bless Mayor Stothert and the leadership of our city, that He may cover them with an inexplicable comfort, wisdom, and strength as they grieve during this time of loss.

Weep Purposefully

The Good News of what Jesus Christ has done for us compels us to live lives that are compelling, counter-cultural, and Christ-exalting. In one chapter alone, Romans 12, we are called to genuinely love and honor others, rejoice in all circumstances, be patient in trouble, pray, give, share, and even to bless our enemies.

Then, we find this brief, but beautiful instruction:

"Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep." Romans 12:15

Among the most profound ways that we can bless those who hurt is to hurt with them. Notice that we don't bless by speculating, or seeking answers to questions that aren't ours to ask, or by pointing fingers of accusation and blame, all of which have tragically occurred in the last seven days.

No, we simply celebrate with those who celebrate, and in this instance, we cry with those who cry.

Together, let's consider the loss that Mayor Stothert, her children, and grandchildren are experiencing alongside family members, friends, city officials, and UNMC colleagues who know and love Jean and Joe, and let's enter into their grief.

Maybe even go one step further and let Mayor Stothert know that you're grieving alongside her by sending a brief note to say, "I care for you and I hurt with you."

You can send that note right here!

Imagine what might happen in our city if Mayor Stothert received hundreds, even thousands of notes from Jesus-followers that simply said, "We Care."

Wait Expectantly

To a people who were waiting - amidst very trying and dark circumstances - for a fresh wave of God's presence and power to break through, Jesus gave these simple instructions.

"When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father...(saying): 'Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven." (Excerpts from) Matthew 6:8-10

We long for Jesus' healing presence and peace to fill our city streets, our city hall offices, and our city leaders’ homes. We want God to bless the leaders of our city, including Mayor Stothert, that they might work tirelessly for things like goodness, justice, equality, opportunity, and prosperity for all.

And while we have a role to play, we first have a prayer to pray. "Our Father in Heaven."

So we pray, and then we wait for the the Holy Spirit to prompt our families, friends, or churches to actively bless our city as a tangible way of ushering in the realities of God's kingdom. So that when He prompts, we are prepared to follow.

Will you pray, "King Jesus, we want your kingdom to come soon, and we’re ready to be the answer to this prayer!”

Within Reach, we are grateful for you and your partnership in the city. Together, we believe that God can bring beauty from brokenness and healing from hurt. We long to join God by seeking to bless our city, that all people might experience the goodness and beauty of Jesus.