A desperate prayer, written a good number of years ago in my worship journal while living in another country. It was written during an ugly conflict among the members of the church we attended, a prayer for healing and restoration.
Praying Scripture:
Praise you, Lord, that I awoke this morning to find you there. In fact, I woke up several times in the night and also found you there, leading me to pray, especially for our church, using Psalm 86:1,16-17, (which shines like a light in the darkness, to be reflected in our souls). 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.
Praying God’s will:
Let this blow that fell Sunday on the wall of pride, tradition and fear of man be effective. Press the attack, Lord, widen the crack, blast through. 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.
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.
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.
