\”I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one.\” – Ezekiel 22:30
Have you ever ridden the Underground in London? There are signs and visual warnings to “Mind the Gap.” This cautions passengers who use the subway to be careful of the space between the platform and the train. In Europe, different nations announce it in more than one language. In Asia it’s a bit more polite, as in Singapore: “Please mind the platform gap.” And in the Americas, it is also common.
Beyond the subway experience, the phrase has become iconic. Book titles, films, board/video games, music albums—all make use of it. Mind the gap. It must be important. Beyond pop culture, however, it has a much deeper significance to the family of faith.
Consider the verse from Ezekiel. God is searching for someone to intercede for the land. He finds no one. What does it mean in a Christian context to “mind the gap?” Is anyone capable of doing so? Or is this a job reserved for the holiest of prayer warriors?
Simple answer: anyone. You could stop here. But read on. No matter what it is or who we are, God listens. All are equal. Nothing is too big or too small.
At SEAPC, prayer is the foundation of everything. No, really. Everything. From personal needs, to local needs, to country needs, to global needs, nothing moves forward without first seeking God’s guidance. Which means sometimes having to take a step back from our plans…and wait for His. This year has certainly been one where the best-laid SEAPC plans have been changed. God knew it would happen. No surprise to Him.
This is a season where He is asking us to mind the gap. Thanks to travel restrictions, we are unable to visit friends in far-flung nations; we remain in prayer for them. And there is more than enough to accomplish in the United States. It is exciting to see where this will lead as we continue to get our hopes up. For those with a passion for mission travel, it is an interesting time. A time of introspection—looking back and looking ahead. A time of shifting strategies—both at home and abroad. And a time when God is speaking clearly—His purpose and His plan. It is a time of prayer.
The news we get is uniform in its negativity. People wonder how a good God can let so much bad happen. Political rivals are becoming enemies. There is a disconnect that is perhaps the worst America has ever experienced. How is all of this animosity going to be overcome? What are believers supposed to do?
Ezekiel lived circa 621 B.C. And even so long ago, he chronicles God’s search for someone to stand in the gap on behalf of His land. That encompasses not just the soil, but the entirety of His creation. Over 2,640 years ago God found no one to help. We must do better. We can do better. It begins with reframing our vision of prayer.
Intercessory prayer is asking God for something on behalf of another. It is not a burden, a chore, or a hardship. It is a blessing. And a direct line of communication with the Almighty. The One who created heaven and earth is waiting for someone to stand in the gap and just talk to Him. How amazing that it can be you or me having that conversation. We don’t need a holy of holies, a long flowing robe, or a white beard. All we need is the willingness to step forward. And to pray.
*Prayer draws believers together from all over the globe. Every nation has its problems. Different, yes. Small, no. It’s easier to see things more clearly when they are not our own. Thus we are in a better position to invoke God’s help for friends—and enemies—than for ourselves. And so we pray for one another and are united in peace and unity. Nations and hearts will experience revival.
*Prayer asks for God’s help when someone is unable to ask for themselves. The sick, the hurting, the grieving, the lost may have trouble reaching out, even if they are Christ-followers. That’s where we move in and mind the gap to bolster faith or to introduce it.
*Prayer can rise to the Lord on behalf of people, countries, environment—anything at all. Nothing to do with His creation is trivial to God. He waited for someone to intervene so that he would not destroy the land. How sad that according to Ezekiel, no one did.
As SEAPC friends embark on Pray Americas in June and July, it is time for everyone to be mindful of the needs around us. It takes very little effort to make a difference, because for the One who is being called upon, nothing is impossible.
When there is a wall that needs rebuilt, step up. As the world around deteriorates, as illness goes on a rampage, as economies fail, it’s important to remember that there is a perfect plan. Our tiny niche is to intercede fervently. Love abundantly. Seek humbly. And mind the gap.
