I woke up this morning with a prayer on my lips for a brother I talked to yesterday. He shared an all-too-common problem facing so many today: he had been laid of from his job two weeks before and is now facing a financial crisis. After listening to his woes, I had the privilege of lifting him up in prayer to our "Great High Priest" (Hebrews 4:14).
In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God said:
"If my people, who are called by my Name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
Brothers and sisters, take note of the "if" and the truth that we are His people. The Greek word for church is "EKKLESIA" which literally means "the called out ones." As the church, as His people, we have been called out to pray.
My challenge to you for the month of June is to practice 2 Chronicles 7:14.
Financial woes are upon us. Will we look to the government to bail us out? Or will we look to Jesus, our Great High Priest?
In Him, we have our example of how to pray and fast, and what a privilege it is to follow His example! Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights to spend time in prayer with His Father (Matthew 4:2). The people of Ninevah also fasted when they were convicted of their sin (Jonah 3:5). Fasting for the purpose of prayer is a spiritual discipline we often see in the Bible. And while most of us know how to pray, do we know how to fast and pray?
There are many things that occupy our time and our thoughts...food, tv, the computer, etc. By choosing to go without one of these things for a time, we give ourselves an opportunity to focus on prayer. Tuning out something that consumes our attention allows us to tune in to our conversations with our Father. Fasting for the purpose of prayer is both our privilege and our responsibility.
So for the month of June, let's follow the example of Jesus as we ask our Heavenly Father to heal our land.
How can we pray for you? Let us know!
Great devotional Pastor Bob! Thank You! Now with my home being more peaceful and quiet, I am up for your challenge of spending more time in prayer. Me and my family are in need of prayer right now, though when are we ever not in need of prayer?! Never! It is interesting how when we do pray for something, God doesnt always answer it in the way we thought he would. Praise the Lord, I have peace in my home!
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking how there are a lot of different "lands" that I need to be constantly praying for. I need to be asking God to heal the land of my family, and the land of my church, and the land of our state & country, and even the land of my own heart. And even though I know that God wants to work in all of those places, it's so easy for me to not take the time to humble myself and pray and seek His face about the issues that come up in each one of them. Thanks for the encouragement Bob!
ReplyDeleteAnd many times it is that simple, that relieving, not asking for much but my heart, time and attention with humility. But, I ...
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