Prayer , Worship, & Praise
Unanswered Prayer
I asked for strength that I might achieve;
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health that I might do greater things;
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy;
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life;
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I had asked for,
but eveything that I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered;
I am, among all men, most richly blessed.
Amen.
Prayer for Israel
Dear Heavenly Father,
We pray for the peace of Jerusalem. We are sad to see the violence and suffering as men, women and children are injured and killed on both sides of the conflict. We don't understand why it has to be this way, nor do we truly know if war is right or wrong. But we pray for justice, your sovereign righteousness, Lord. And at the same time we pray for mercy. For everyone involved we pray, for governments and peoples, militants and terrorists, we ask for your kingdom to come and rule over the land. Protect the soldiers and civilians from bloodshed. May your truth and light shine in the darkness. Where there is only hatred, may your love prevail. Help me as a Christian to support those who you support, Lord, and to bless those who you bless, my God.
Bring your salvation to Israel, dear God. Bring your salvation to the whole earth.
Amen.
With no end in sight to the turmoil in the Middle East, all signs and prophesies seem to point to an escalation in the violence and conflict. Yet no matter where you stand politically or spiritually regarding the current unrest in Israel, as Christians we can unite on one front: prayer.
Why do Christians Pray for Israel?
Israel as a nation and a people are God's chosen people. In Deuteronomy 32:10 and Zechariah 2:8, the Lord God calls Israel "the apple of his eye." And to Abraham, God said in Genesis 12:2-3, "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." (NIV) Psalm 122:6 also encourages us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
The Power of Prayer
"My voice shall thou hear in the morning, O Lord;
in the morning will I direct my prayer to thee."
-Psalm 5 :3
Those that seek the Lord early each morning shall find him. When the sun rises over
the earth and birds begin to sing a morning melody, the Spirit of the Lord
is waiting for God's children to welcome Him into their day. Communion with the
Lord makes each day take on a new meaning. As the sun warms the earth and gives it
light and life, God's presence puts zeal into our lives. His Word gives light
to guide souls in the right direction, through the power of His Blessed Holy Spirit.
We can "be still and know the Lord who is God."
The Psalmist David knew the power of prayer and fellowship with the Lord.
His request was for the Lord to hearken and hear the voice of his cry and
to consider his meditation. Our meditations on the Lord and prayers for others
do not go unnoticed. He is always there and intercedes for us, as our Great
High Priest. No request is insignificant or no problem too big for God to hear,
answer, and meet the need.
Focused prayer is a prayer directed only to the Lord out of pure motives.
Our prayers are as a sweet incense rising to the Father and are pleasing
to Him when our worship is in spirit and in truth. We are told to lift
up holy hands, without wrath or doubting, in worship to God. Everyone
cannot truly worship God, as worship is to be in "spirit and in truth" to be
pleasing unto the Lord. When we know Him, we can boldly go before His Throne
in praise, adoration, and with thanksgiving for "who He is" in our lives. We
can present our petitions and know we have a God who will hear and answer.
God's plan of salvation calls all to accept His invitation. Through
the quickening power of His Holy Spirit, souls can be made new; born again
and made worthy by the blood of the Lamb. What a wonderful Savior!
What a wonderful plan God has given for salvation to "whosoever will hear"
and answer the call of His Spirit.
May our hearts be stirred each new day to arise in his power and strength.
He will carry us through the day and embrace us with his love in the midnight
hours, if we only look to Him. His love will compass us about with favor
as a shield. Let all those who put their trust in him rejoice and shout
for joy, for He will defend and bless his children.
Amen!
"Sing to the Lord, all the earth; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.
Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples. For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; He also is to be feared above all gods" ( 1 Chron. 16:23-25).
Praise, according to the Scriptures, is an act of our will that flows out of an awe and reverence for our Creator. Praise gives glory to God and opens us up to a deeper union with Him. It turns our attention off of our problems and on the nature and character of God Himself.
As we focus our minds on God and proclaim His goodness, we reflect His glory back to Him. The results can fill you with peace and contentment ( Isaiah 26:3) and transform your outlook on life.
SCRIPTURES FOR STUDY
Psalm 33:1-4, Psalm 100:1-5, Isaiah 43:7 -- We are created for praise
1 Chronicles 16:7-36, Revelation 5:11-14 -- God is worthy of our praise
Psalm 34:1-9 -- Promised protection and praise
1 Peter 2:9-12 -- Praise as a witness to unbelievers
Hebrews 13:15-16 -- Perseverance in praise
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