For God's Glory Alone
March 31, 2010
“The chief end of man is to glory God, and to enjoy Him forever” (The Westminster Catechism).
I am so thankful for the hundreds of people like you who desire to regularly seek the Lord through prayer and fasting. Thank you for your sincere labors of love in this way. God will certainly reward those who come to Him in the secret place (Matthew 6:6,16).
So WHY do we pray and fast? Certainly not for the accolades of man or for God’s approval. Any glory man lusts for is idolatry, and God’s approval has already happened when we received His forgiveness. So why do we pray and fast?
We pray and fast so the glory of God can be increased in both our lives and in this world, and so that our joy in serving His glory will increase.
Listen to how Jesus put it…
“And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (John 14:12).
“Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:24).
The Westminster Catechism said it well. “The chief end of man is to glory God, and to enjoy Him forever.” So let’s be brazenly passionate for God’s glory to be revealed in our country, our city, our churches, our homes, and our lives!
Let’s pray…
1. Let’s pray for ourselves
Dear Lord,
Forgive us for our endless propensity to seek our own glory rather than yours. Love does not seek its own, and does not demand its own way. Change our hearts so our endless goal is the infinite glory of God. We want to make Your name famous.
2. Let’s pray for our city and country
Dear Lord,
We again declare that Jesus Christ is Lord over our city and over America. Any blessing and reputation of being benevolent that has come to our land is because You put some of Your goodness in our hearts. Today we ask that You do whatever it takes to draw us back to our first love for You. I’m glad that Your goodness leads men to repentance.
3. Let’s pray for the global advance of the gospel
Dear Lord,
We reach out to Your world because we love You. Let us never do it out of duty alone. Remind us that we are primarily created to worship You. Remind us that introducing nations to Your love brings glory to Your name. And so, all the angels in heaven celebrate Your glory every time one person repents!. In Jesus might name we pray, amen.