Sovereign Lord,
I pray as these children follow in your footsteps that your Spirit will be on them, that you anoint and call them to tell the Good News to the poor. That they will see their calling to tend to the brokenhearted and to strive to free those physically and spiritually captive and to free the spiritual prisoners bound in darkness. That they will proclaim your favor, your grace and your mercy to the poor and the captives but also that they will declare your vengeance on those who refuse you and on those who take captive and oppress the weak and defenseless.
I pray that their nature will be to comfort those who mourn and grieve, not only to comfort them but to give them a crown of beauty, instead of mourning ashes, the oil of gladness, instead of mourning, a garment of praise, instead of a spirit of dispair.
As they reach out in comfort and support to those who mourn and suffer, may they be seen as oaks of righteousness, planted by you to display your glory and splendor.
Amen
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Psalm 37 - Do not fret because of Evil Men
Dear Father,
I pray the courage of David for these children. That they do not fret because of evil men and they do not become envious of the success of godless men who lack integrity and ethics. For like the grass they will soon wither. Like green plants they will soon die away.
I pray that, instead, they will trust in you and do good, that they will dwell in your land and enjoy safe pasture. That they will delight themselves in you and that you will, therefore, give them the desires of their hearts. I pray that they will commit themselves to your way and trust in you and that you will, therefore, make their righteousness and their example shine like the dawn and that their commitment to your justice will shine like the noonday sun.
I pray that they will be still before you and wait patiently for you and do not fret when men succeed in their ways when they carry out their wicked schemes. I pray that in those times they will refrain from their anger and not turn to violence, and that they will not fret, as it will only lead to evil. Evil men you will cut off, but those who hope in you will inherit your land.
Help them to learn that it is better to be righteous and have little than to be wicked and have wealth for you will break the power of the wicked, but you will uphold the righteous.
The salvation of the righteous comes from you, you are their stronghold in times of trouble. You help them and deliver them, you deliver them from the wicked and you save them because they take refuge in you.
Amen
I pray the courage of David for these children. That they do not fret because of evil men and they do not become envious of the success of godless men who lack integrity and ethics. For like the grass they will soon wither. Like green plants they will soon die away.
I pray that, instead, they will trust in you and do good, that they will dwell in your land and enjoy safe pasture. That they will delight themselves in you and that you will, therefore, give them the desires of their hearts. I pray that they will commit themselves to your way and trust in you and that you will, therefore, make their righteousness and their example shine like the dawn and that their commitment to your justice will shine like the noonday sun.
I pray that they will be still before you and wait patiently for you and do not fret when men succeed in their ways when they carry out their wicked schemes. I pray that in those times they will refrain from their anger and not turn to violence, and that they will not fret, as it will only lead to evil. Evil men you will cut off, but those who hope in you will inherit your land.
Help them to learn that it is better to be righteous and have little than to be wicked and have wealth for you will break the power of the wicked, but you will uphold the righteous.
The salvation of the righteous comes from you, you are their stronghold in times of trouble. You help them and deliver them, you deliver them from the wicked and you save them because they take refuge in you.
Amen
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Psalm 42 A Thirst for You
Dear loving Father, the provider of all good things, the one who fills our souls,
My prayer for these children is that as the deer pants for streams of water,
so their souls will long for you, O God,
for the living God their souls will thirst.
There will be times of great sorrow for them when
their tears will be their food day and night, while men say to them
"Where is your God?"
Their souls will be downcast,
and disturbed within them.
May they then put their hope in you,
and praise you in the midst of sorrow,
our Savior and our God.
When their souls are downcast within them;
I pray they will remember you deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers will sweep over them.
By day you direct your love,
at night your song will be with them—
a prayer to you of their lives.
May they, in their sorrow, feel confident to say to you, their Rock,
"Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?”
They may find themselves in times of agony while men say to them
"Where is your God?"
Their souls will be downcast,
and disturbed within them.
May they then put their hope in you,
And praise you in the midst of sorrow,
our Savior and our God.
Amen
My prayer for these children is that as the deer pants for streams of water,
so their souls will long for you, O God,
for the living God their souls will thirst.
There will be times of great sorrow for them when
their tears will be their food day and night, while men say to them
"Where is your God?"
Their souls will be downcast,
and disturbed within them.
May they then put their hope in you,
and praise you in the midst of sorrow,
our Savior and our God.
When their souls are downcast within them;
I pray they will remember you deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers will sweep over them.
By day you direct your love,
at night your song will be with them—
a prayer to you of their lives.
May they, in their sorrow, feel confident to say to you, their Rock,
"Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?”
They may find themselves in times of agony while men say to them
"Where is your God?"
Their souls will be downcast,
and disturbed within them.
May they then put their hope in you,
And praise you in the midst of sorrow,
our Savior and our God.
Amen
Monday, March 19, 2012
Clothed in Christ - Face Shining Bright as the Sun. Rev 1:16
"His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance."(Revelation 1:16)
Dear Jesus,
As I think about being clothed in you, I am convicted by the last attribute listed in this scripture - a face brightly shining. That face is the image of hope being spread to all around you. If we are to be clothed in you, we too should be an image of hope to all around us. Do I think that all who encounter me come away hopeful? I know that is not always the case, but if I am to be clothed in you and filled by you, that is how I should transformed to be.
I pray that these children grasp that concept early in their lives so that they shine as a beacon of hope and encouragement in a dark and difficult world. May they come to be known as sons and daughters of encouragement. I pray that they become the kind of people who bring out the best in those around them so that their legacy of spiritual influence will range far and long. Give them the gift of encouragement, that special ability to choose words well - words that are spoken at just right time and in the just the right tone to give hope and encouragement to those who are struggling and questioning themselves. Help them to recognize the value of that gift and give them a desire to use it often.
Amen
Dear Jesus,
As I think about being clothed in you, I am convicted by the last attribute listed in this scripture - a face brightly shining. That face is the image of hope being spread to all around you. If we are to be clothed in you, we too should be an image of hope to all around us. Do I think that all who encounter me come away hopeful? I know that is not always the case, but if I am to be clothed in you and filled by you, that is how I should transformed to be.
I pray that these children grasp that concept early in their lives so that they shine as a beacon of hope and encouragement in a dark and difficult world. May they come to be known as sons and daughters of encouragement. I pray that they become the kind of people who bring out the best in those around them so that their legacy of spiritual influence will range far and long. Give them the gift of encouragement, that special ability to choose words well - words that are spoken at just right time and in the just the right tone to give hope and encouragement to those who are struggling and questioning themselves. Help them to recognize the value of that gift and give them a desire to use it often.
Amen
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Clothed in Christ - the Double Edged Sword. Rev. 1:16
"and out of his mouth came a double-edged sword." Revelation 1:16
Dear Jesus,
You patterned for us the ready knowledge and use of scripture. Scripture itself tells us that it is alive and active and sharper than any double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). And the image in Revelation of a double edged sword coming from your mouth reflects the power of the Word when it is spoken.
I pray that as these children are clothed in you, that they too develop the ability for quick and ready use of the Word and that they fully comprehend the power that comes with that use. I pray that they use the Sword to destroy the forces of evil that they encounter as you did in Revelation 19 - forces that oppress and hold captive the innocent and defenseless and who persecute the righteous, but also that they will use the Sword as defense against those forces when they are attacked by them (Ephesians 6:17). Beyond being a weapon, I pray that they understand the Sword's use as a surgical tool, to carefully and gently convict hearts and instruct (Hebrews 4:12).
Give them a insatiatable desire for the Word and may it be their close companion thoughout their lives.
Amen
Dear Jesus,
You patterned for us the ready knowledge and use of scripture. Scripture itself tells us that it is alive and active and sharper than any double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). And the image in Revelation of a double edged sword coming from your mouth reflects the power of the Word when it is spoken.
I pray that as these children are clothed in you, that they too develop the ability for quick and ready use of the Word and that they fully comprehend the power that comes with that use. I pray that they use the Sword to destroy the forces of evil that they encounter as you did in Revelation 19 - forces that oppress and hold captive the innocent and defenseless and who persecute the righteous, but also that they will use the Sword as defense against those forces when they are attacked by them (Ephesians 6:17). Beyond being a weapon, I pray that they understand the Sword's use as a surgical tool, to carefully and gently convict hearts and instruct (Hebrews 4:12).
Give them a insatiatable desire for the Word and may it be their close companion thoughout their lives.
Amen
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Clothed in Christ - the Seven Stars. Rev 1:16
"In his right hand he held seven stars" Revelation 1:16
Dear Jesus, the Great Shepherd of your flock,
You explained to John that the seven stars in your hand were the seven angels of the seven churches. One of the fundamental truths that is evident from your revelation to John is that you love your church and that you watch over her. If we are clothed in you and have your attributes, we too must love your bride.
I pray that these children develop a deep love for your church. That they tend her and protect her and work with you as you lead her. Help them to understand how important your church is to you and how much importance you want us to place on her. Help them to control their egos so that they do not do things that cause damage to her or division within her. Help them to love the individual members of your church, your bride, your body - even the ones who are hard to love.
Give them patience with her imperfections, as they extend grace and mercy to her members. Out of her imperfections she will sometimes hurt them - just as happens in any relationship. Give the the spirit of forgiveness in those circumstances as they practice agape love. Above all, I pray that you allow your church to be more blessing than trial in their lives.
Amen
Dear Jesus, the Great Shepherd of your flock,
You explained to John that the seven stars in your hand were the seven angels of the seven churches. One of the fundamental truths that is evident from your revelation to John is that you love your church and that you watch over her. If we are clothed in you and have your attributes, we too must love your bride.
I pray that these children develop a deep love for your church. That they tend her and protect her and work with you as you lead her. Help them to understand how important your church is to you and how much importance you want us to place on her. Help them to control their egos so that they do not do things that cause damage to her or division within her. Help them to love the individual members of your church, your bride, your body - even the ones who are hard to love.
Give them patience with her imperfections, as they extend grace and mercy to her members. Out of her imperfections she will sometimes hurt them - just as happens in any relationship. Give the the spirit of forgiveness in those circumstances as they practice agape love. Above all, I pray that you allow your church to be more blessing than trial in their lives.
Amen
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Clothed in Christ - a Voice like Rushing Waters Rev 1:15
"his voice was like the sound of rushing waters" Revelation 1:15
Dear Jesus,
As we consider what it means to be clothed in you and therefore to reflect your attributes to those around us, I think on the attribute of a voice like rushing waters. Of course this image is not referring to voice volume but rather the power of your words. As you spoke, you spoke as one having authority, because you did and do. Your words not only affected the people who directly heard you speak the words, but your words also effected a course of history that has impacted the entire earth in one way or another.
I pray these children will understand the power of their words, power to encourage, exhort, heal the soul and bless, but also power to hurt and emotionally maim. I pray that they view their voice as the weapon it is - one that must be respected and cautiously used for concern that unintended harm might be caused. But I pray they also understand that their voice is precious gold - a gift they have to offer those around them in encouragement and blessing, a gift that they should endeavor to spread around.
But I also pray that they come to understand the power of their words when they speak your words and teaching. They too can speak with authority when they are speaking your teachings and by that they can defend the defenseless, comfort the sick and dying and warn of spiritual danger. May they never become arrogant about this power, but rather speak your words and teachings with humility, gentleness and grace, yet with courage.
I pray that their words, too, like yours, will have a positive impact that will spread far beyond their local area of influence.
Amen
Dear Jesus,
As we consider what it means to be clothed in you and therefore to reflect your attributes to those around us, I think on the attribute of a voice like rushing waters. Of course this image is not referring to voice volume but rather the power of your words. As you spoke, you spoke as one having authority, because you did and do. Your words not only affected the people who directly heard you speak the words, but your words also effected a course of history that has impacted the entire earth in one way or another.
I pray these children will understand the power of their words, power to encourage, exhort, heal the soul and bless, but also power to hurt and emotionally maim. I pray that they view their voice as the weapon it is - one that must be respected and cautiously used for concern that unintended harm might be caused. But I pray they also understand that their voice is precious gold - a gift they have to offer those around them in encouragement and blessing, a gift that they should endeavor to spread around.
But I also pray that they come to understand the power of their words when they speak your words and teaching. They too can speak with authority when they are speaking your teachings and by that they can defend the defenseless, comfort the sick and dying and warn of spiritual danger. May they never become arrogant about this power, but rather speak your words and teachings with humility, gentleness and grace, yet with courage.
I pray that their words, too, like yours, will have a positive impact that will spread far beyond their local area of influence.
Amen
Monday, March 12, 2012
Clothed in Christ - Feet of Glowing Bronze. Rev 1:15
His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace. (Revelation 1:15)
Jesus,
You patterned learning from experience - from doing the hard things, creating a strong foundation forged in the fire of life experience, solid with experience learned from making the right choices in life, hardened in the fire of the natural consequences of choosing the right path, a path that is in conflict with the path usually chosen by the world.
I pray these children choose the hard things, the path of righteousness, and make the tough choices that path requires. I pray from those decisions, they build a strong foundation of character, which is foubdational to continuing to make the right and difficult decisions. As their lives are tested in the crucible, I pray that they are refined into the purity of pure gold and strengthened as forged bronze. I pray that they do not shrink back from the test, but face their tests and trials with courage, as they are clothed in you and follow your example.
Amen
Jesus,
You patterned learning from experience - from doing the hard things, creating a strong foundation forged in the fire of life experience, solid with experience learned from making the right choices in life, hardened in the fire of the natural consequences of choosing the right path, a path that is in conflict with the path usually chosen by the world.
I pray these children choose the hard things, the path of righteousness, and make the tough choices that path requires. I pray from those decisions, they build a strong foundation of character, which is foubdational to continuing to make the right and difficult decisions. As their lives are tested in the crucible, I pray that they are refined into the purity of pure gold and strengthened as forged bronze. I pray that they do not shrink back from the test, but face their tests and trials with courage, as they are clothed in you and follow your example.
Amen
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Clothed in Christ - Eyes like Blazing Fire Rev. 1:14
"and his eyes were like blazing fire" Revelation 1:14
Jesus,
As we are clothed in you and your power indwells us, there is both power and insight that is ours through you. Eyes of fire display a power that comes from within, but is evident to those around you as a person's eyes are the first thing that is usually noticed in a person. A person's eyes also determine what is taken in by person - what is perceived by them, and fire in that regard would indicate power in perception and refinement of what is seen - power in discernment. That power comes from your Spirit who indwells us working together with knowledge of your word.
I pray that these children come to understand that being clothed in you, being a Christian is not a position of weakness, rather is a position of power - power by being indwelled by and clothed in the living God - the Creator of the universe. That they will never live in fear, but in confidence knowing that there is a power within them greater than any power in the universe. And as they pray for wisdom, you will fill them with your wisdom and discernment that is beyond what they could possess on their own. I pray that they will use the power of your presence to reach out in love and compassion to those around them. Compassion from a position of strength.
Amen
Jesus,
As we are clothed in you and your power indwells us, there is both power and insight that is ours through you. Eyes of fire display a power that comes from within, but is evident to those around you as a person's eyes are the first thing that is usually noticed in a person. A person's eyes also determine what is taken in by person - what is perceived by them, and fire in that regard would indicate power in perception and refinement of what is seen - power in discernment. That power comes from your Spirit who indwells us working together with knowledge of your word.
I pray that these children come to understand that being clothed in you, being a Christian is not a position of weakness, rather is a position of power - power by being indwelled by and clothed in the living God - the Creator of the universe. That they will never live in fear, but in confidence knowing that there is a power within them greater than any power in the universe. And as they pray for wisdom, you will fill them with your wisdom and discernment that is beyond what they could possess on their own. I pray that they will use the power of your presence to reach out in love and compassion to those around them. Compassion from a position of strength.
Amen
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Clothed in Christ - Hair white as snow Rev 1:14
14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, Rev 1:14
Jesus,
As we are clothed in you, we bear your image, the image of purity and wisdom. Hair of white symbolizes purity but also the wisdom of age. I pray that as these children become clothed in you, that they will project to the world around them your image of purity, mixed with wisdom. Though pure, you none-the-less mixed with the outcasts and "sinners" so much so that you were accused of being a glutton and a drunk - but, as you said, wisdom will be proved right by her actions. You set the standard that in wisdom, purity can intermingle with those who are not pure so as to reach out to them. I pray that these children will be pure, but that in their purity they do not shy away from the misery, suffering and struggle of humanity. That they do not shy away from those who are suffering the consequences of their sin. Rather, in purity that they reach out the arms of redemption - full of wisdom, and thereby that they be a part of your reclamation of your creation.
Amen
Jesus,
As we are clothed in you, we bear your image, the image of purity and wisdom. Hair of white symbolizes purity but also the wisdom of age. I pray that as these children become clothed in you, that they will project to the world around them your image of purity, mixed with wisdom. Though pure, you none-the-less mixed with the outcasts and "sinners" so much so that you were accused of being a glutton and a drunk - but, as you said, wisdom will be proved right by her actions. You set the standard that in wisdom, purity can intermingle with those who are not pure so as to reach out to them. I pray that these children will be pure, but that in their purity they do not shy away from the misery, suffering and struggle of humanity. That they do not shy away from those who are suffering the consequences of their sin. Rather, in purity that they reach out the arms of redemption - full of wisdom, and thereby that they be a part of your reclamation of your creation.
Amen
Friday, March 9, 2012
Clothed in Christ - a Robe with a Golden Sash Revelation 1:13
12 I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was someone “like a son of man,”[b] dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. Revelation 1: 12-13
Dear Jesus,
As I contemplate the full meaning of being clothed in you, I think about how this means that I am draped with your qualities. I pray that these children will come to understand that being clothed in you means that they have the attributes of royalty. They are sons and daughters of the Living God and are priests, princes and princesses in your court. They are dressed in royal garb and have position and authority as members of the royal family. They will not always feel this way as the world mistreats them (as the also mistreated you). As their high priest, remind them often of their true position in the universe, higher than any earthly king. Higher than any earthly president. And help them to remember that this puts a heavy responsibility on them to represent the Kingdom of God as its ambassadors in the world.
Strengthen them and remind them often,
Amen
Dear Jesus,
As I contemplate the full meaning of being clothed in you, I think about how this means that I am draped with your qualities. I pray that these children will come to understand that being clothed in you means that they have the attributes of royalty. They are sons and daughters of the Living God and are priests, princes and princesses in your court. They are dressed in royal garb and have position and authority as members of the royal family. They will not always feel this way as the world mistreats them (as the also mistreated you). As their high priest, remind them often of their true position in the universe, higher than any earthly king. Higher than any earthly president. And help them to remember that this puts a heavy responsibility on them to represent the Kingdom of God as its ambassadors in the world.
Strengthen them and remind them often,
Amen
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Clothed in Christ- Galatians 3:26-27
26 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (Galatians 3:26-27).
Father,
It is an amazing thought that when we are baptized into your Son, that we become clothed in Him. That means that when you look at our imperfection, you instead you see Him and his perfection. So, I stand before you and am perfect in your eyes. I pray that these children will choose that path, that they become your children of promise through faith in Him as your Son and that they choose to be baptized into your Son and thereby to be clothed in Him. I pray that they will fully comprehend the significance of being clothed in Him.
Jesus, thank you for surrounding us with your person, for being our shield and our protector, for giving us the right to approach the Throne of Heaven by the perfection and righteousness that you cover over us. Help us and help these children to understand what you are doing for us and the price you paid to do that.
Amen
Father,
It is an amazing thought that when we are baptized into your Son, that we become clothed in Him. That means that when you look at our imperfection, you instead you see Him and his perfection. So, I stand before you and am perfect in your eyes. I pray that these children will choose that path, that they become your children of promise through faith in Him as your Son and that they choose to be baptized into your Son and thereby to be clothed in Him. I pray that they will fully comprehend the significance of being clothed in Him.
Jesus, thank you for surrounding us with your person, for being our shield and our protector, for giving us the right to approach the Throne of Heaven by the perfection and righteousness that you cover over us. Help us and help these children to understand what you are doing for us and the price you paid to do that.
Amen
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
God's Fasting. Isaiah 58(6)
"and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
The Lord will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail." (Isaiah 58:10, 11)
Faithful Father,
This world is a dark place. Since the fall of man, we continue to live in sin and the sin of mankind becomes worse, not better. These children will grow up in a world that is ever darkening until the day you redeem your creation. Amidst that truth, the greatest hope I have for these children is that they be lights shining in the darkness. By the promise of Isaiah, if they devote themselves to serving the physically and spiritually oppressed and poor, you will cause their lights to shine brightly, spreading the light of hope to all around them and brightening their own path with light.
But that path can be wearisome. Sometimes we just grow tired tending to the wounded in this world. Sometimes it becomes discouraging when those we are trying to help sabotage their own recovery from the pit. But your promise through Isaiah is that if these children will devote themselves to this kind of ministry, you will supply there needs, even when they feel like they are in the desert. That you will actually give them greater strength and endurance to go on and that you will refresh their souls with soothing and nurturing spiritual streams. I pray and ask that you fulfill these promises in them. And that you do so with each step they take so that you train them up in a pattern of behavior, a pattern and habit of compassion in their approach to the world around them.
Amen
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
The Lord will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail." (Isaiah 58:10, 11)
Faithful Father,
This world is a dark place. Since the fall of man, we continue to live in sin and the sin of mankind becomes worse, not better. These children will grow up in a world that is ever darkening until the day you redeem your creation. Amidst that truth, the greatest hope I have for these children is that they be lights shining in the darkness. By the promise of Isaiah, if they devote themselves to serving the physically and spiritually oppressed and poor, you will cause their lights to shine brightly, spreading the light of hope to all around them and brightening their own path with light.
But that path can be wearisome. Sometimes we just grow tired tending to the wounded in this world. Sometimes it becomes discouraging when those we are trying to help sabotage their own recovery from the pit. But your promise through Isaiah is that if these children will devote themselves to this kind of ministry, you will supply there needs, even when they feel like they are in the desert. That you will actually give them greater strength and endurance to go on and that you will refresh their souls with soothing and nurturing spiritual streams. I pray and ask that you fulfill these promises in them. And that you do so with each step they take so that you train them up in a pattern of behavior, a pattern and habit of compassion in their approach to the world around them.
Amen
Monday, March 5, 2012
God's Fasting. Isaiah 58 (5)
"Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I."(Isaiah 58:8, 9)
Powerful Father,
In these verses there is a promise. If these children will follow after your heart for the oppressed, for those in bondage, for the poor, the hungry, the naked and the alien, you promise that their light, their influence, the impact of their lives will break forth like the dawn. You will also give healing to their spirit when they are discouraged and wounded. That their righteous reputation will go before them as they become known for their good works of kindness and deliverance. And as they will inevitably be attacked and criticized for their efforts, you yourself will "have their backs". And when they call you, you will answer.
Lord, I pray that you fulfill these promises to these children in very tangible and obvious ways so that they know you are well pleased with what they are doing. Strengthen their spirits with your power and with your mighty angels, protect them from the evil one's attack. Lift their heads when they are discouraged and hear their cries as they wade in to minister to the spiritually wounded.
Amen
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I."(Isaiah 58:8, 9)
Powerful Father,
In these verses there is a promise. If these children will follow after your heart for the oppressed, for those in bondage, for the poor, the hungry, the naked and the alien, you promise that their light, their influence, the impact of their lives will break forth like the dawn. You will also give healing to their spirit when they are discouraged and wounded. That their righteous reputation will go before them as they become known for their good works of kindness and deliverance. And as they will inevitably be attacked and criticized for their efforts, you yourself will "have their backs". And when they call you, you will answer.
Lord, I pray that you fulfill these promises to these children in very tangible and obvious ways so that they know you are well pleased with what they are doing. Strengthen their spirits with your power and with your mighty angels, protect them from the evil one's attack. Lift their heads when they are discouraged and hear their cries as they wade in to minister to the spiritually wounded.
Amen
Sunday, March 4, 2012
God's Fasting. Isaiah 58 (4)
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe him,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? (Isaiah 58:6, 7)
Father,
I strongly believe that in Christ, all the great teachings of your word have both a physical and a spiritual application. No doubt there are many in this world who are in bondage, who are oppressed, who are hungry and in need of clothing, and many who are oppressed as aliens in the land. But ultimately of even more significance is that the world is in spiritual bondage, in slavery to sin and its consequences and to the oppressing power of the evil one. Millions have spiritual hunger to fill deep emptiness within them. Millions wander trough the wilderness of life as aliens without spiritual home. Many are naked before you without being clothed in the grace of your Son.
I pray that these children have an insatiable ache in their heart for those who are captive to the prince of this world, those who are without hope and without a relationship with you. Give them boldness to speak about you, compassion for those who are "harassed, like sheep without a shepherd". May they always be willing to reach out in grace and humility, sharing the mercy and compassion that you intend for all who turn their face to you.
Amen
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe him,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? (Isaiah 58:6, 7)
Father,
I strongly believe that in Christ, all the great teachings of your word have both a physical and a spiritual application. No doubt there are many in this world who are in bondage, who are oppressed, who are hungry and in need of clothing, and many who are oppressed as aliens in the land. But ultimately of even more significance is that the world is in spiritual bondage, in slavery to sin and its consequences and to the oppressing power of the evil one. Millions have spiritual hunger to fill deep emptiness within them. Millions wander trough the wilderness of life as aliens without spiritual home. Many are naked before you without being clothed in the grace of your Son.
I pray that these children have an insatiable ache in their heart for those who are captive to the prince of this world, those who are without hope and without a relationship with you. Give them boldness to speak about you, compassion for those who are "harassed, like sheep without a shepherd". May they always be willing to reach out in grace and humility, sharing the mercy and compassion that you intend for all who turn their face to you.
Amen
God's Fasting Isaiah 58 (3)
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
Is it not to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—"
(Isaiah 58:6, 7 NIV84)
Dear Father, Father of all compassion,
You have always had a place in your heart for the wanderer, for the alien. Your chosen one, Abraham, wandered in a strange land that was not his own as did his descendants until you gave them the land you promised to him. Your people, Israel, wandered through the desert, and even though their wandering was because of their own failing, you did not abandon them. Your Son had no home of his own as he wandered during his ministry.
Your instruction to Israel through Isaiah was to remind them to treat the alien and wanderer well, because they were once so. We too, in this country, were all once wanderers and aliens. I pray that these children remember that. That they do not fall captive to rhetoric that mistreats and abuses the alien in our land. Rather, may they defend their cause.
May they be the kind of people who welcome strangers and care for the lonely who are displaced from their family and friends. Give them your heart when it comes to those without the comforts relationships that they experience.
Amen
Is it not to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—"
(Isaiah 58:6, 7 NIV84)
Dear Father, Father of all compassion,
You have always had a place in your heart for the wanderer, for the alien. Your chosen one, Abraham, wandered in a strange land that was not his own as did his descendants until you gave them the land you promised to him. Your people, Israel, wandered through the desert, and even though their wandering was because of their own failing, you did not abandon them. Your Son had no home of his own as he wandered during his ministry.
Your instruction to Israel through Isaiah was to remind them to treat the alien and wanderer well, because they were once so. We too, in this country, were all once wanderers and aliens. I pray that these children remember that. That they do not fall captive to rhetoric that mistreats and abuses the alien in our land. Rather, may they defend their cause.
May they be the kind of people who welcome strangers and care for the lonely who are displaced from their family and friends. Give them your heart when it comes to those without the comforts relationships that they experience.
Amen
Friday, March 2, 2012
God's Fasting Isaiah 58 (2)
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry —
Father,
I pray that you help these children to see the world through your eyes and not to turn their faces from human suffering. The issue of hunger in the world seems an insurmountable problem and we are tempted to just give up and ignore it. But I pray that you save these children from becoming calloused. Let them see what is there - the faces of human suffering and let their hearts be continually broken by the reality of how most of the world lives. At the same time, give them clarity of what they may be able to realistically contribute to the solution - determining with wisdom what is "their part" to do, considering their responsibilities to their own families. But in that wisdom, in that realism, do not allow the flame of idealism to die. May they continue to believe that one person can indeed make a difference that is larger than themselves, when they look to you for strength. And do not let them become captive to heartless political rhetoric that disdains helping those in need.
Amen
7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry —
Father,
I pray that you help these children to see the world through your eyes and not to turn their faces from human suffering. The issue of hunger in the world seems an insurmountable problem and we are tempted to just give up and ignore it. But I pray that you save these children from becoming calloused. Let them see what is there - the faces of human suffering and let their hearts be continually broken by the reality of how most of the world lives. At the same time, give them clarity of what they may be able to realistically contribute to the solution - determining with wisdom what is "their part" to do, considering their responsibilities to their own families. But in that wisdom, in that realism, do not allow the flame of idealism to die. May they continue to believe that one person can indeed make a difference that is larger than themselves, when they look to you for strength. And do not let them become captive to heartless political rhetoric that disdains helping those in need.
Amen
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