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This will be my last eLetter before my sabbatical begins. Over the next 13 weeks, some of our staff and elders will contribute to the regular eLetter while I am away.

 

This Sunday I will be preaching on Revelation 8:1–5, which could not be more timely for Father’s Day and for the timing of my sabbatical, as will be obvious when we gather for worship this Sunday. A central theme in Revelation, especially in 8:1–5, is that prayer is one of the means through which God brings about His purposes in history. This does not mean He depends on our prayers, but it does mean He hears them, receives them, and uses them according to His sovereign will.

 

The second volume of The Triumph of the Lamb: Revelation and Its Parallels is now almost complete, and I am deeply grateful for how the Lord has helped me through this long process. During my sabbatical, I plan to finish that work and then begin writing my next book, Something Greater: The Story God Is Forming in You. In many ways, this is the book I thought would be my first. It is the one I have carried in my heart for years, and I am excited to finally give focused attention to it.

 

This sabbatical is therefore not merely time away but time set apart—for rest, renewal, family, prayer, and focused writing. My hope is that this season will enable me to return refreshed, strengthened, and better prepared to serve our church in the days ahead.

 

With that in mind, I would be grateful if you would pray for me and my family during this sabbatical. Here are a few specific ways you can pray:

 

  • Pray for rest and renewal. Pray that the Lord would refresh me physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally, and that this time away from the regular rhythms of ministry will deepen my love for Christ and strengthen me for the work ahead.

 

  • Pray for my family. During the sabbatical, we are planning an 18-day road trip with stops in several cities and places on our way to Alabama and Punta Gorda to visit friends and family. Pray for Roi Maw, Nathan, Seth, and me as we travel. Ask the Lord to give us safety on the road, meaningful time together, good conversations, opportunities to rest, and sweet fellowship with the people we will visit along the way.

 

  • Pray for focused writing. Pray that the Lord will help me complete the second volume of The Triumph of the Lamb: Revelation and Its Parallels with clarity, faithfulness, and perseverance. Also, pray for wisdom as I begin working on Something Greater: The Story God Is Forming in You.

 

  • Pray for Meadowbrooke while I am away. Pray for our staff, elders, ministry leaders, and church family. Ask the Lord to strengthen our unity, deepen our love for one another, and continue forming us into a people who worship Christ, make disciples, and live on mission together.

 

  • Pray for the preaching of God’s Word. While I am away, Pastor Shaun Sells will preach through the first eleven chapters of Hebrews, and Ben McKay will preach through the final two chapters. Pray for both of them as they prepare and preach. Ask the Lord to help them handle His Word faithfully, exalt Christ clearly, and shepherd our church through the message of Hebrews. Pray that our church family will receive the Word with humble hearts and that the Lord will use this series to strengthen our faith, deepen our endurance, and fix our eyes on Jesus.

 

  • Pray that I return ready to serve. Pray that when this sabbatical comes to an end, I will return with renewed joy, fresh strength, greater wisdom, and a deeper dependence on the Lord.

 

Thank you for praying. I love Meadowbrooke Church, and I am grateful for the privilege of serving as your pastor. I do not take this season for granted, and I am asking the Lord to use it not only in my life, but also for the good of our church family.

 

 

Grace and peace,
Pastor Keith