Weekly Prayer of Encouragement 14 June
Brother Astley Hall offers the Weekly Prayer of Encouragement 14 June 2020.
My Brothers, Sisters and Friends,
We hope that you are well. However, we continue to suggest that if you or anyone you know is in need of prayer or any other form of support, please let us know. A request for prayer can be made on the church’s website.
You know, I was thinking that the Covid-19 pandemic seemed to have blatantly opened the door to many other issues/concerns locally (within families, our justice system, etc.) and worldwide. Persons have asked what keeps me going. I realized that there are certain key practices that I have benefited from in the past and more so now; God’s word, fasting and prayer, and His presence.
The news, Zoom meetings, counselling, parents, praying for others, paid work, and other personal happenings can become overwhelming. I try to exercise and stretch, rest, sleep, journal, and at times, take a break. I find that it is extremely critical to keep pulling myself out of an unhealthy emotional state that may creep up on me, or just hit me in the face; and stay, in God’s word, prayer, His presence, and at times do fasting and prayer. It is valuable when we allow God to saturate our beings and refresh us. When we become immersed in Him, at times His presence may even feel like water pouring from a rock over our heads…so refreshing.
Another thing I know is that; it is really good to care for our well-being but it is also of utmost importance that we understand what God is doing in these times, and the different tasks He calls us to do even in the midst of opposition. Our thoughts, attitudes and behaviours will set the pace to determine what we achieve through the power of the Holy Spirit. I am reminded of the Apostle Paul’s encouragement:
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)
On one of His journeys, Paul spoke of the opposition that he and his team encountered in presenting the gospel. Yet, his approach was one of humility and the assertion that:
“…we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed — God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. Instead, we were like young children among you.”
1 Thessalonians 2:4-7 (NIV)
Paul clearly knew who he was in Christ. Throughout the Scriptures, Paul admitted that he was not a perfect man but He sought God, understood his calling, and was prepared to pursue it regardless of what he faced. As we all take this journey, may we understand who we are, what we are called to do, and do it in humility for God’s glory; not at the expense of pleasing man but God.
Hey, the fact that you are still here, alive, means that God has a work for you.
Today’s prayer is led by our own Brother Astley Hall. Brother Astley is a business owner.
Let us pray:
Our gracious, loving, compassionate God, we thank you for another day that you have made. Lord we know it’s not because of our goodness why we are still here on earth, but because of Your grace and mercies. We come to You this time in the name of Jesus Christ and ask that You hear our cry for help.
Lord Jesus, we thank You for sacrificing Your life so that we may be forgiven and washed clean of our sins. I pray Lord, that we would surrender our lives, everything to You, for You are worthy.
At this time, Father, we ask that You cleanse us from all unrighteousness, and forgive all of our sins; as we forgive those who have sinned against us.
Loving Father, Your word says that; “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10, NIV). God, help us to be a nation that fears You. A nation that is not afraid to call on You and acknowledge You as the true and living God.
Lord, we present to You our leaders of church, families, businesses, government, and by extension, the world. We lift up especially our local leaders Honourable Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness, Minister of Health Christopher Tufton, Minister of Finance Nigel Clarke, health workers and support staff, Minister of National Security Horace Chang, Minister with the responsibility for Education, Karl Samuda, Leader of the Opposition Peter Philips, and their families; Jamaica Defence Force and Jamaica Constabulary Force personnel and Security Guards.
Father God, good leaders come from You, Lord, the church, this nation need leaders with discerning hearts and wise minds. We come to You asking You to give us wise leaders who will lead us in the right direction.
Lord, we have not been faithful people in these recent times. As a result, the world has turned into a chaotic one. So many bad things are happening all around because we have given the enemy a foothold over our lives and nations. Lord, we know that You see all things, nothing is hidden from You. You see the criminal behaviour of some persons in this nation. We ask that You bring them to a place where they can give an account of their ways. Protect us from the wiles of evil practices in this nation.
Heavenly Father, we ask that You turn our hearts toward You. Help us to live a peaceful and prosperous life. Let Your unconditional love overflow in our hearts that we may also pour it in each other. As Christians, followers of Christ, help us to represent You and do what each of us is called to do in these times.
Lord remember those who are on our sick and shut-in list, as well as those additional persons who have emotional and physical challenges. We ask that you send forth Your healing power, peace, and assurance to be upon them, and their caregivers (where applicable). I pray that You continue to keep all of us safe from the Covid-19 virus that plagues the world.
Lord we also put before You the students who are preparing for exams: Romeo Elliott, Gabrielle Channer, Jonnelle Campbell, Jhada Graham, Nachkeemi Smith and Shane Brown. Lord, grant them true wisdom, energy, strength, insight, discernment, an innate ability to recall information, and the confidence that they will need to prepare for, and do their exams. Cover, bless and protect each person in a special way Lord, as we look to You for excellent performance from them. Lord, we pray for the teachers, that You will equip and cover them and their families at this time.
Lord, fill us with Your Shalom that will transcend in our hearts and minds.
Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer in Jesus’ name as we pray with thanksgiving.
Amen.
Our Weekly Prayers 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.
