- The following prayers were written a good number of years ago in my worship journal while living in another country during an ugly conflict among the members of the church we attended.
Here are four types of prayer I used.
Praying Scripture:
1. I woke up several times in the night and found you there, Lord, leading me to pray for our church, using Psalm 86:1,16-17.
“We are poor and needy, Lord, hear us, have mercy on us, help us to lift our souls to you, to trust you. I cry out to you in the day of trouble that you will save us. I pray that you will grant us a token for good that those who hate you may see it and be ashamed.”
2. Praying God’s will:
“Bring revival, bring great conviction of sin, a vision of your holiness, a grasp of how much we have undeservedly been forgiven. Lord, only you can do this, I cry out to you for a working of power, a defeat of the enemy, a powerful overcoming of his plans and tactics with your great wisdom, power and love.”
3. Praying for the right motive:
“Shine on us, expose sin, bring repentance, deal with pride, clean house that this church may become again a beacon for you. I ask that you answer in power for the sake of your name, for the sake of your glory, for the sake of more worship in eternity.”
4. Praying in line with God’s character:
“Answer out of your great love, your mercy and grace. Sweep in in strength, transform in power, tear down in wisdom and build up in grace. I praise you now for what you will do. Work especially in the leadership, Lord, and bring to pass what will glorify your name.”
Epilogue: God did answer, although much more slowly than I wanted. He answered thoroughly, and carefully as far as all of us were willing to change. And years later, the church is doing well. He is faithful to His Word, and praying it is how we join Him in what He is doing.
Picture: light in the darkness
