A Special Prayer of Encouragement for 2021
Deacon Arlene Burton offers this Special Prayer of Encouragement for 2021. Let us reflect on the past and the possibilities of the future.
My Brothers, Sisters and Friends, 2020 was a year that will remain in our memories, spoken through our lips and interpreted through the minds and fingers of many people for years to come. Repeated reflections may captivate our thoughts like a bedtime story. We may sigh, drop a tear, a smile or a chuckle when memories of events walk us through our experiences. However, we give God thanks in all things. Lord, we thank you! We praise your name! Be glorified O Lord.
Personally, I had my share of pain, shed many tears, faced hardheartedness, rejection and disturbing news. At times I cut a smile or had bursts of laughter. I experienced the love of God and the love of some genuine people. Although I had very hard losses, I was comforted by the presence and power of God. I knew that the journey was not for me to take singly, so I depended heavily on Him for strength, peace, provision, coverage and protection. I truly appreciate the support that came my way and pray God’s richest blessings, favour and coverage on those who really stood by me. May they feel the power, presence and love of God in all aspects of their lives. May they receive generations of blessings.
You know, the Lord has taught me that my problems will never be too hard for His purpose to be accomplished. My study of the prophet Jeremiah’s ministry helped to bring this home for me. Regardless of what Jeremiah was experiencing, he was led to focus on doing the will of God in order to have His peace (Jeremiah 20).
My Brethren and Friends, the peace I speak of is not as understood by humankind but one that emerges in the midst of our storms. It is the peace that the apostle Paul spoke of; a peace that goes beyond our understanding, that dwells in our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:6-7). Jesus, in encouraging His people said, “…in me you will have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world” (John 6:33, NIV). Wow!
I like the way John puts it when he said: “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4, NIV). The fact that we are children of God means that we are overcomers. The fact that we have received salvation by confession and belief in Him who has overcome, makes us overcomers. Hallelujah! What glory!
You know something, we are part of the world around us, being impacted in so many ways but there is the need for us to keep our focus on God, staying in Him as His Holy Spirit who is in us, provides guidance and counsel. Paul said: “The mind governed by the flesh is death but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace”. This is the way we are called to truly live, through Him. I have experienced that peace. It is a peace that you obtain when your eyes are kept on God. It is a peace that causes you to go on living.
I do not know what 2021 will hold for us but I encourage you to keep your eyes on God. We may lose our balance at times. We will continue to face challenges but be reminded that Christ overcame and we are already overcomers. When the challenges come, be reminded that you are an overcomer through Christ Jesus. May God bless and sustain you with His great favour, provision and protection. May you be drawn closer to Him in all you think, say and do. Have a wonderful 2021. Love you.
As we reflect on the past and the possibilities of the future, let us pray:
Our Father, Lord God of heaven, we worship and honour your name. You rule over all kingdoms, over all nations. Lord, power and might are in your hands, and no one can withstand You. You are awesome in all that You do. Lord, You alone are worthy of all glory, honour and praise. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah. Lord, You reign!
God of our ancestors and Creator of all things, we come in the name of Jesus Christ, giving You thanks because from generation to generation You remain God. It is You who created the sun to give light to the day, and to know when to set. You created the moon and stars to give light to the night. You even know the stars and call each by name. Lord, it is You who parted the red sea, and led the people of Israel through but swept Pharaoh and his army into it. You led the same people through the wilderness. You struck down and killed great and mighty kings. Great is your faithfulness. Lord, your mercies and your love endure forever.
Lord, as we reflect on the year that is about to pass, many of us are overwhelmed just trying to make sense of it all, even in our efforts to summarise it. We have been faced with disasters that may only be seen in one century, in one lifetime. We have been faced with the battles of the Covid-19 Virus, Locusts, storms, hurricanes, Sahara dust, wildfires (especially in Australia) resulting in loss of lives, businesses, jobs, homes, lockdowns, among other things.
Lord, we witnessed selflessness, love, unity, caring hearts, souls saved, increased business opportunities. Yet, we also witnessed selfishness, hardened hearts, coldness, pain, increase in domestic violence, change in approaches towards criminal activities, anxieties, depression, suicides and suicidal ideation.
God of comfort and peace, many of us lost family members and close friends, who were so dear and precious to us. We pause to say thanks for the times that we shared with them. Grant unto us the oil of gladness for the spirit of mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. May our hearts find peace in You as our loved ones’ spirits rest in peace.
Lord, those of us who are left behind thank you. It is You who forgives all of our sins and heal our diseases. You save our lives from destruction and crown us with your loving-kindness and the multitude of your tender mercies. You satisfy our desires with good things so that our youths are renewed like the eagles.
God of mercy and love, out of the depths of the earth, we stand in the gap crying unto You, confessing all of our sinful acts and inactions committed against You as individuals, families, Churches and their associations, communities, businesses, government, the political directorate, voluntary institutions and ventures, and as a nation and the world at large You. We ask that You forgive all of our transgressions and iniquities, and cleanse us from all of our sins. O God, have mercy on us. Lord, let your ear attend to our prayer and open your eyes to the prayer of your servants.
Lord, as we are about to enter into 2021, a new decade, we are faced with the new wave and strains of the Covid-19 Virus, uncertainties relating to our education system, workforce, businesses, and the function of government and churches. We have no power to face the many challenges that are ahead of us, Lord. We do not know what to do but our eyes are on You. Lord, You know all things. Nothing is hidden from you. Everything is bare to your eyes and You know the end from the beginning.
Lord, we set You before us, to counsel and watch over us. We ask that You grant true wisdom, knowledge, insight, discernment and courage to world leaders of nations and institutions (especially the World Health Organisation, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Food and Agriculture Organisation, United Nations).
Lord, let evil not overpower us. Cause it that the world’s efforts are galvanised in unity and peace in our fight against the Virus, other disasters, crime, contraction in economies, hunger and starvation among nations. Lord, we stand in the gap asking for your divine intervention, knowing that absolutely nothing is impossible for You. You are the Almighty God who is all-sufficient. Lord, have mercy and help us.
Lord, we lift our local leaders in particular: leaders of churches and associations and related institutions, the Honourable Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness, Minister of Health and Wellness, Christopher Tufton, Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Nigel Clarke, health workers and support staff, Minister of Education, Youth and the Environment, Fayval Williams. Minister of National Security, Horace Chang and his team, Minister of Justice, Delroy Chuck, and the leader of the opposition Mark Golding and his team. We also remember the judges in our congregation: Paula Blake Powell and Grace Henry McKenzie.
Lord, we lift up the leaders of criminal activities and their supporting personnel and schemes. We ask that You confuse, expose and nullify their schemes. Also, let there be indisputable evidence against them.
Lord, we pray that the hearts of humankind turn to You for refuge and seek your face. Help us to recognise that You are the only true God. One who is filled with power and authority. Your greatness is beyond measure.
Lord, remember those who are ill. We come in agreement believing for their healing and strength. So we ask that You comfort us and grant peace to our disturbed minds.
Lord, we surrender our thoughts, attitudes, beliefs, behaviours, and every day of 2021 to You. From the ends of the earth we cry unto You. Oh Lord, deliver us. Cover, protect and provide for us. Lord, lead us and grant us hearts and minds attuned to your will and way.
Lord, restore us we ask. O God, have mercy on us and restore us. Many are so broken. Restore the walls of our lives and our nations that have been broken. Restore us, O Lord.
Hear O Lord and have mercy. Our souls are longing for the glory of You. Therefore, fill us with your presence, peace and power. Envelope us with your love, and grant us success and favour as we seek your face with thanksgiving. For yours is the Kingdom, power and glory, forever and ever.
Amen.
Our Prayers of Encouragement are for everyone. Therefore, if you are also in need of prayer or comfort, please contact us with your request. We would be so very happy to share with you.
