Hi Church,

Today, our nation is grappling with the devastating events that took place last night at Bondi Beach in Sydney. Two gunmen opened fire on thousands of Jewish families who had gathered to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah, causing many casualties and injuries. This is an unprecedented tragedy in Australian history and one that will undoubtedly mark our nation going forward.

 

As followers of Christ, our first and most important response to every situation—especially events as shaking as this terrorist attack—is not apathy, not to sink into fear or anxiety, not to wallow in rage, not to be consumed by questions of cause and blame, even though the source of this evil is painfully evident.

 

Our immediate response must be to pray and to seek God’s face, knowing that Jesus is the only answer. And from that place—of seeking and finding God’s heart—be empowered to rise up, speak up and move forward in bold, love-filled and faith-driven obedience to the Lord.

 

 

For this reason, we will be opening the church every night this week at 6:00pm for all who feel led to come. 

 

This will be a space to pray, to wait, and to simply be in the presence of God.

We will pray for those directly affected by this tragedy, but even more so, we will intercede for our nation—seeking God’s face for healing, repentance, peace, and for an awakening and revival in Australia, the Great Southland of the Holy Spirit.

 

As God’s Word reminds us, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” — Ephesians 6:12

 

We do not fight darkness with darkness.

We do not fight with physical weapons.

We fight in the Spirit—on our knees—seeking the face of God, in the power of Jesus’ name.

What God has spoken, we bodly declare, knowing that our words are not empty, but carry authority when anchored in the Word of God.

 

“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 will heal their land.” — 2 Chronicles 7:14

 

“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the world, but have divine power to demolish strongholds.” — 2 Corinthians 10:4

 

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” — John 1:5

 

Church, let us rise. Let us seek His face. Let us pray for our beautiful Australia.

 

Love and prayer,

Accelerate Church