The city of Philadelphia, my home town. The pride of the Liberty Bell and William Penn laid the foundation to what we call the city of brotherly love. You’ll find Ben Franklin’s house, pristine in authenticity, to the Academy of Natural Sciences exhibiting the wonders of the Paleo age to the evolution of man. Walk the streets and see, vivid colored murals capturing our ethnicity and character at its best. Still yet, make your way to the upper echelon Rittenhouse Square for fine dining to East Broad Street for a night cap. The nightlife is intoxicating with bars, lounges, and chill spots in Northern Liberties and Market East. We are known for our beloved cheesesteak and pretzels, to the Reading Terminal Market. Here you’ll find Amish, Indian, Puerto Rican or Mexican eats to name a few. A city filled with diversity and eccentricity.
Philadelphians have grit, we play and fight hard. Fanatical about our sports and prideful when it comes to our neighborhoods. Philly’s in all it’s hustle and bustle, is a working town. Then why, my lovely Philly, have we become one of the top rated dangerous places to live in America. How’s that? Hate crimes, selfishness and arrogance. To a desensitized view for our homeless brothers and sisters. I’ve heard people title us, killadelphia. Which breaks my heart. Young boys being raised by the streets, without fathers to show them how to become men. With a “I don’t give a f&ck attitude.” in a one parent home with three or four other siblings. Mommy is working 16 hour days for food and rent and on the flip side, the welfare system is in full effect, and only a few are doing anything to improve their circumstance. Some of our police aren’t enforcing anything. A disrespect for the badge and apprehension to blue hate have tarnished the image of the real ones trying to keep peace. We are in trouble when all you see on prime time, is hate on hate crime, another innocent life being taken by crossfire and the evil that lurks at night.
My beloved Philadelphia, what happened to the love?
I’ll tell you… I found it at the outreach program on Pennsylvania Ave. preparing meals to feed our homeless. I caught a glimpse at the Wawa, when the woman in line, paid it forward to a young teen at the check out counter. While I was the train station I saw it again, when an elderly woman dropped her purse and, what appeared to be a construction worker, picked it up, handed it to her AND helped her to the gate. Yet again, a man walking 15 feet ahead of me, waited for me to arrive at the doorway, where he held the door for me. I was out shopping for groceries and the young boy gathering carts, asked me if he could help me unload my groceries. We are still that city! No doubt that we have rough areas that need help.
I believe in the power of prayer. If we are intentional in seeing God working, that is what we can see. I am not saying to be blind to what’s happening, cuz God knows, we need more influencers who will stand and make a positive difference. What I am saying to you is be the salt the adds flavor. Be a participant and not a spectator. Instead of wood that is rigid and won’t budge, bend a little. Philly needs a refresh! Will you pray with me? For my city. She is hurting, yet, her heart still pumps with love. Her compassion and empathy exist despite the news report this morning.
Heavenly Father,
I know you have not abandoned us. You are a good God. I believe you are looking for hearts who will stand firm in faith. Lord, build your kingdom in the city of Philadelphia. I believe in your goodness and faithfulness toward us and cry out to you. Free us from the deceptions and distractions that so easily ensnare us, in the name of Jesus. Protect your people from the wiles of the enemy. Help us Lord to choose wisely in what we watch, listen to and consume. In Jesus, we believe in your restoration power. You said in your word, that we wrestle not against flesh and blood. I come against the power and principalities in dark places, that try to overwhelm us with negativity and ill thoughts. I come against the spirit of pride, selfishness, hate, jealousy, envy, arrogance and shame, in the authority you have given in Jesus. Holy Spirit intercede on my behalf, for you know all things. Position us, show us, grow us in love. Help us be free of hate. I lift up parents, marriages, families, and children, in the name of Jesus. I lift up our law enforcement, police officers, government officials holding positions of authority, in the name of Jesus. Thank you for the courage you have blessed us with to be the positive change the city of Philadelphia needs. Soften the hearts of the hardened, and place a desire in us to be your hands and feet. To help and not complain, to listen more and speak words of encouragement that come from you. I decree and declare that by your stripes we are healed. Thank you Jesus for healing us.
Lord, hear our prayer. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever.
Amen.
Immeasurably More 