DAY OF PRAYER letter
April 2026
Watching & Waiting
Pastor Carrie Butler
Faithful Intercessors,
As we move through this sacred season and into this Holy Week, I’ve been reflecting on Jesus’ request to his disciples in the garden of Gethsemane to “watch and pray”:
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41
Jesus was giving his disciples a heads-up about what was to come because he wanted them to remain strong and present with him. But they failed, with disappointing consequences. This has led me to wonder: where have I been asked to stay alert, aware, and attentive to what God is doing—to wait with him and pray as I wait—yet been found “sleeping”? Can you relate?
There is something deeply forming about choosing to stay present with Jesus in that place. To wait, to listen, to keep showing up in prayer even when we don’t yet see what God is doing. Before the joy of Easter comes the agony of Good Friday. Before the movement of the Spirit that we long to see, there is a people willing to linger with Jesus in prayer.
This evening, we have an opportunity to do just that by attending Watch & Wait in person.
We also have an opportunity today through our Day of Prayer, which happens to fall during Holy Week this year. So I invite you to join me in asking: “Lord, where are you at work, and how can I join you in prayer? Where have I been asleep to your Spirit’s activity around me and in the world?” Ask this as an individual, and also for your family and friends, the global Church, our CTK church family, Whatcom County, and the nation and world. Linger and listen. I trust he will give you something to carry in prayer as we wait for the fulfillment of his promises.
Another way to engage in prayer today is by leafing through the Spring edition of CTK Life, praying page by page:
- Pray for every opportunity to say “yes” to Jesus and his Kingdom.
- Pray for every name you don’t yet know.
- Pray for every story that is still unfolding.
- Pray for the people who will walk through our doors this Easter season, looking for a spiritual home.
Here are a few things I want to highlight:
- Alpha starts on April 9! Pray for wisdom as invitations are extended, for willingness to attend, and for people to encounter the love and life of Jesus.
- Baptisms are on April 26. Pray for people to take this bold step toward Jesus and his Church as we celebrate their trust in him.
- CTK Farm and Response Team are entering their busy seasons. Pray for volunteer and leadership roles to be filled, and for all preparation to be Spirit-led as they serve our community.
While Holy Week and Easter are certainly full, we’re excited for the season ahead as we celebrate new life in all the ways we see it unfolding. Let’s pray for open eyes and hearts—alert and expectant to the Spirit’s work all around us. Let’s not miss it.
If you’d like additional guidance for praying for our community and the world, consider picking up a 24-7 Prayer guide to focus on a specific topic.
With expectation,
Carrie
