New Year's Prayer
Thanks for praying and fasting with us this Wednesday, January 5.
"But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord" (Jonah 1:3).
"I cried out to the Lord because of my affliction, and He answered me" (Jonah 2:2).
ACTION WITHOUT PRAYER IS ARROGANCE.
Sometimes we cry out to God because we got ourselves into some new trouble or challenge that we could have avoided IF we had prayed first.
Jonah ran FROM God rather that TOWARDS God. This resulted in a problem; namely living in the belly of a great fish for three days. But when he cried out to God, He returned to where he should have been earlier. God’s blessing returned when he prayed.
When Jonah cried out to God, he began to receive favor and direction from God. He not only got OUT of his self-induced trial, he heard the heart of God for the people of Nineveh.
What if Jonah had prayed FIRST? What if we would pray first before we act? God would spare us many wrong choices and their accompanying consequences. Let’s resolve to pray before we act.
Let's pray for ourselves
Dear Lord,
Forgive us for our prayerlessness this past year. It is a sign of an independent heart. But also forgive us for not believing or obeying You when You speak to our heart. Give us a heart to please You quickly. Help us not give excuses or procrastinate. Your counsel is more precious than gold. We commit ourselves right now to both pray and obey!
Let's pray for our city and country
Dear Lord,
Forgive us for knowing the truth, but not applying it. Forgive our city and country for our greed, for aborting your creation, for our prideful refusal to acknowledge the very One Who is keeping our heart beating, and for our callous arrogance that thinks we do not need You. We humble ourselves before You. Let Your mercy fall again on the USA in 2011. We desperately need Your blessing again.
Let's pray for the global advance of the gospel
Dear Lord,
Help us learn from Jonah. Bring our reluctant hearts in line with Your will. Help us to share our faith TODAY. Forgive us for being so busy that we forget why we are here on earth. Bring divine appointments into our lives today. Lord, we're available today. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.