Prayer of Encouragement, Voices of Youths, 2022

The Prayer of Encouragement for 13 December

Deacon Arlene Burton offers the Prayer of Encouragement for 13 December 2020 for our country, businesses, frontline and other workers.

My Brothers, Sisters and Friends we hope that you are well. However, if not, please let us know.

We have been looking at our emotions and the way we respond to situations. It has been a challenging time but I give God all of the glory, honour and praise. I had a bad experience this week. Yesterday I went into a plaza and was turning to park but was hit with a stern glare of sunlight in my face. At the same time I was heading under the enclosed parking area, which was slightly dark compared to the sharply lighted area. A column was in front of me. The car went straight into it, and got a nasty hit. Some people were on the scene and told me to reverse out of there immediately and park because the radiator burst.

I went by the insurance company which is where I was heading. They called for roadside assistance although the person said he called for a wrecker. It was the roadside assistance agent who came and took the report and pictures; and called the wrecker. I also reported it to the police station, which was around the corner. The police officer told me that I experienced a blind spot.

You may know that I am in the heights of plans for my father’s burial. Oh Lord, not now! This may be our cry. Firstly, I thank God that no one was hurt including me. I am grateful that it is not another vehicle and the column was not damaged. I got help from the roadside assistance agent, the police station was in close proximity and someone gave me a ride home. I was also able to get the vehicle directly to the garage. I give God thanks.

I was calm throughout the entire process but when I tried taking out the key from the ignition at the garage, I could not so I called the driver of the wrecker. He was the one dealing with it, and left the key there. He asked me twice if it was my car. I told him yes. He put the gear in park and took out the key. I reminded him that I was just in an accident. He then became compassionate. He said “Nuh worry yuself, this can fix”. So I went home and got some rest as I tried to settle my mind and body. I gave God thanks. I did not make more than three calls because I could not handle the questions and at the same time get to a place of relaxation, that is my normal approach.

As I reflected on what happened, the passage of scripture that kept playing over in my head was the story of Jesus healing the man who was born blind. The fundamental point of focus was the disciples’ question as to whether it was the parents’ sin or the child’s sin that resulted in the man’s blindness.

However, Jesus’ response was profound. “As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” (John 9:1-3, NIV). 

Many times we have bad experiences and a barrage of ideas, criticism, you name it, come at us. As I replayed in my mind what happened, I am taken to Jesus’ response so I praise God. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Let the works of God be seen with power and impact!

I am also reminded of the prophet Jeremiah’s complaint (Jeremiah 20). One could say that he must have been overwhelmed when the manager of the temple had him beaten and arrested. He had also faced a number of challenges prior to that encounter. He thought of walking away from the will of God but realised it was best to continue. He said “But if I say, ‘I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name’, his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in, indeed, I cannot.” (Jeremiah 20:9, NIV).

I could curl up and cry. I could remain despondent. Or I could ask God the “Whys” but that is not in my spirit at this time. I am “Keeping on the Firing Line,” as my father’s favourite song says. I felt weary like Jeremiah. I felt tired but I got up and decided to pray. I told God that He is my only Father, and He is responsible for me. I surrendered everything to Him. I thank God.

Of course, I must say that the Agent was compassionate and professional. Oh, something else happened. The police officer told me that I do not have any insurance because it expired. I said “Officer, look again, I try not to do those things.” He realised and apologised for misreading the document. The wrecker driver was a bit off and I could get upset with him but I believe that my response influenced his. I give God thanks for the work of His hand in my life. May you be encouraged as you face your storms and carry your cross so that the will of God is accomplished.

As we reflect on life and its uncertainties, and the hand of God in all we do and say, let us look to Him, the One who holds this world in His hands.

Almighty God, we thank You for Your love. We thank You for Your mercies and grace. We thank You for saving our lives from destruction, and crowning us with Your loving kindness and tender mercies. We thank You for the newness of the morning and the hope that it brings. Lord, we are eternally grateful to You. We say hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! The Lord God is a strong tower! The Lord God is mighty in power! Lord, magnify the work of Your hands and be glorified. Not to us Lord but to Your name. Lord, be glorified.

Lord, we thank You for Your faithfulness. It is You who struck down the first born of Egypt and brought the people of Israel out from among them with a mighty hand and outstretched arm. Lord, You parted the red sea asunder and brought the people of Israel through the midst of it, but swept Pharaoh and his army into the red sea. You brought the people of Israel through the wilderness. You struck down and killed great and mighty kings. Lord, You remember us in our low estate. You freed us from our enemies. You heal the broken hearted and bind up their wounds. You have done so much to show us Your power, your infinite greatness. There is nothing hard for You, Lord, establish the work of your hands.

We come in the name of Jesus Christ asking that You cleanse us from all unrighteousness and forgive our sins. Out of the depths of the earth we cry unto You. Lord, have mercy. If You Lord kept a record of sins, who could stand, but with You there is forgiveness. Hear our cry, O Lord and attend unto our prayers.

Lord, we pray for Your divine hand of covering and protection over us as individuals, families (church and biological), and as a country. We declare that no weapon formed against us shall prosper. Lord, You are our guide, provider and protector.

Lord, we present to You the leaders of our country including those in areas of church and national authorities. We ask for Your mercy on us and that You will renew the right spirit in us. Lord, grant true wisdom, knowledge, courage and understanding, and be glorified.

We pray for our families and communities. Help us to become the best neighbour to each other, to demonstrate the love of Christ in all that we think, say and do. Lord, the criminal activities need to be stemmed. Identify the perpetrators and turn their hearts to You.  

We pray for the leaders of our country especially, 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. 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 remember the judges in our congregation; Paula Blake Powell and Grace Henry McKenzie. Lord, help them make the right decisions for the country.

Lord, as we face this season which should focus on a celebration of the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, help us to keep our focus on the true meaning of this period. Help us not to get caught up in the festivity and spend tiny times with you. Help us to be honourable vessels for the work of your hands. Lord, help us to understand that the night is coming when no one works, so while we are in the world, let us be the light of the world.

Lord we remember Sister Sonia Dean and her family, as well as my family who are mourning the loss of our loved ones. Grant us comfort, and protect us from harm and dangers.

Lord, remember those among us who are on the usual sick and shut-in list, as well as Sisters Iris Lawrence, Lelith James, Jennifer Nicholson, Virginia Muir, Marville (Cherry) Murray (Sister Iris Lawrence’s daughter), Janet Chen-Young, Joyce Bailey, Lucille Alexander, Jhada Graham, Ethlyn Atkins, Cherrie Lee, Brother George Gabbidon, Brother Cornel Richards, Mr. Alan Ashley (Sister Dawn Ashley’s father) and Andrew Robinson (Sister Claire Robinson’s son), Brother Danville Japp’s father, Mr. Isaiah Japp, and any family member who is currently struggling with the Covid-19 virus.

We thank You for Your continued sustenance and ask that You fill us with Your presence, Your power and Your peace. Envelope us with Your love, in Jesus’ name we pray with thanksgiving.

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.

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