Tonights Prayer
I know that many things can keep you up at night, anxious over what is to come, so I am here to guide tonight’s prayer. The greatest stress reliever is when we just give it all to God, trusting that He will take care of it on our behalf.
Maybe it is family, work, finances, health, opportunities or enemies that may have been on your list to pray about tonight. I encourage you to take a few moments of your prayer time to join me in prayer for the below.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2:1-4
Israel
“What is all the fuss about Israel?” asked one of the young people I mentor. I remembered faintly that I read earlier that week Israel was again at war with the Palestinians, but I have learnt to ask more questions before answering. “What do you mean?” I asked. Sitting back, he folded his arms across his chest, “earlier this week, I heard a pastor say that Christians shouldn’t get involved with the Israelites issues; now I don’t know what to think”.
This left me concerned because, as Christians, we are called to love and pray for others, especially our fellow siblings in Christ, the Israelites.
I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means!… Again I ask: Did they [the Israelites] stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious. But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their full inclusion bring! I am talking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I take pride in my ministry in the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy and save some of them. For if their rejection brought reconciliation to the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?
Romans 11:1, 11-15
In Romans 11, Paul clearly notes that God has not rejected His chosen people. Us Gentiles (anyone who is not an Israelite) are considered rich because we have heard and accepted the good news receiving the benefits of our salvation, which many Israelites have not done. So for tonight’s prayer, let us pray for their hearts to soften and accept salvation and the amazing benefits of having a close relationship with Christ.
Children dying young
In my last post, I noted powerful verses to use when praying over your children. Reading news the past few days has brought to light the number of our children that are dying young. I am always incredibly saddened to read stories about bright young people who have lost their lives early, such as Damon Weaver, the youngest child ever to interview a sitting United States President (Barack Obama). Over the past few weeks, many kids have died in the Israeli-Palestinian Gaza strip conflict. Kids are dying and suffering worldwide – let’s pray for them all and their families.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18
COVID
For the first time this week, we got the great news that the infected rates and the number of Covid related deaths continue to drop. On the other hand, there is a considerable concern that many poorer countries can’t access the vaccine or medical supplies to treat the growing number of cases. News reports of closed hospital doors, persons dying on the streets, or hospital beds due to lack of vaccines and equipment are upsetting. For tonights prayer, let’s keep these countries in mind.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
Tonights Prayer
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and His paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?”For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever!
Oh, how I am blessed. I have life tonight. Above all, I can freely come before your presence Lord in humble adoration.
Father, hear the prayer of Your people. Hear our cry for our fellow brothers in Christ, Your chosen people, the Israelites. Lord, we pray for both countries in conflict right now; that peace will be found. We pray for their salvation. Protect Your children, Lord, who is quaking in fear, who hear the bombs and the guns.
Answer their prayers, Lord. Touch the lives of families who have lost their children, who have lost a loved one. Lord, grant them an abundance of comfort, reminding them how much You love them. You know the pain they are experiencing. Shelter them under Your wings. We pray for those who live in countries with no or limited access to the vaccine and medical supplies. Father, we pray for miracles. We pray that You will change the hearts of the pharmaceutical companies, governments and leaders to tend to the poor and the needy. May Your name be lifted. May Your name be praised. Amen.