30 Jul Responding in prayer to the Olympic ceremonies.

For years, the Olympic Games have represented a place of celebration as athletes worldwide compete in different events wearing the colors of their nation’s flag on their uniforms. For some, the countless hours of preparation are rewarded with the rush of victory, and for others, the sting of defeat. But, regardless of the winner, the Olympics have always been a celebration of the human spirit and the connection we share as the human race.

As the years have passed, the opening ceremony that launches these games has begun to steal much of the attention away from the athletes and their stories. The 2024 Olympics aren’t the first to usher in distraction and controversy. But this year feels different, and it may even feel intrusive for the believer. Many Christians were left with a feeling of sadness, confusion, and even disgust as they watched a moment in the life of Jesus be mimicked in a way that looked like a mockery. Since then, the Olympic committee has taken down a video of the ceremony and has apologized, saying it was not their intention to offend any religious beliefs. Perhaps this is enough for some, and for others, it may feel too little too late. 

As people of prayer, especially those praying on French soil, we must be intentional in our reaction to this event. As I reflected and prayed over these events and read many angry articles and challenging comments, I was reminded of a few things that can help all of us as we navigate living in a fallen world.

Often, the work of the Holy Spirit isn’t televised. There are men and women around France who pray daily for this country to see and know Jesus. Every day they bend their knees to pray, lift their hands in worship, and walk out their lives in faith, but millions will never see them. I believe these people are making as great of an impact, no, an even more significant impact for the kingdom of God, than these opening ceremonies. There are many, right now, ministering to people in Paris during the Olympic games; may we not forget that it’s for those who don’t know Jesus or know Him and mock Him that we are praying for. 

Prayer Focus: Pray for the Church of France and the unseen saints living their lives by faith. 

We should not accept these displays, but we cannot be surprised either. Often, when the world behaves as Jesus says it would act, a sense of surprise sweeps over the church. Should this be? Sadness, yes, but surprise? No. Listen to 2 Peter 3:3 – Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. A scoffer is someone who makes fun of or jokes about something. It should grieve our hearts to see such displays of outright mockery of one of the most intimate moments in the New Testament, but, may we not walk in the aftermath and disillusionment of surprise as if we had not been warned. As we pray and read our Bibles, we must remember that the word of God said these things would happen and that the Spirit of God will equip us for the days we live. 

Prayer Focus: Pray for Christ-like perspective, Christ like compassion, and a Christ like attitude. 

God is going to pour out His Spirit. Yes! Let it be so. Acts 2 reminds us that in the last days God, the King of Kings, will pour Himself out on all people through the Holy Spirit. Are you ready for this? All people. There are people, right now, in Paris, who are mocking Jesus who will have an encounter with His Spirit and come to faith. Friends, prayer warriors, people who have prayer, mission, and justice embedded into your heart, we must remember that God is going to pour out His Spirit. When we see scoffers, remember, His Spirit has come and is coming.

Prayer Focus: Pray for an outpouring of God’s Spirit to fall upon Paris and all of France.

As we live in a day of wars and rumors of wars, remember, His Spirit has come and is coming. Jesus, on the cross, surrounded by scoffers, tormentors, and people who hated Him offers a prayer of forgiveness; Christianity is extreme in ways that can radically impact the world. May we follow Jesus to this type of lifestyle. May we continue to pray for the souls of every believer in France and for the hearts of those who mock the Lord Jesus. May we see that every Christian is called on a mission; no one is exempt. Anyone can post a comment, but believers were called to lay down our lives. May justice flow in the streets as the Church, filled with the Holy Spirit, walks in obedience to scripture and fellowship with Jesus.

Incredibly enough, the communion table, whether in jest or not, was put in front of the world at the Olympics. May we be reminded of what it means to believers, and may we be reminded of what it means for those yet to come.