Begin with Worship, as did Daniel, David, and early believers.
Daniel 9:4 “Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments….
Psalm 50:1,2 The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to where it sets. From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.
Acts 4:23-25 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.
Now worship our Great God.
Worship leads to confession, as we stand in the light of God’s holiness.
Psalm 50:3-4 Our God comes and will not be silent; a fire devours before him, and around him a tempest rages. He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that he may judge his people
1 Peter 4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
Daniel 9:5-6,8 …we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our ancestors, and to all the people of the land….We and our kings, our princes and our ancestors are covered with shame, LORD, because we have sinned against you.
Now confess your own sins (such as selfishness, pride, laziness, lying, lust, gossip, scorn and belittling others), and the sins of our nation, (the murder of millions of innocents, exalting what is an abomination, worshiping idols of comfort, possessions and sports, hating and attacking each other, failing to care for the weak and needy).
Forgiving
Ephesians 6:10-12 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against…the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Forgive and love unbelievers who act like your enemies:
Luke 6:27-28 Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Forgive other believers: Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Intercession
I Timothy 2:1-3 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior,
Pray for our leaders nationally, state-wise and locally.
Pray for believers to live holy, light-bringing lives.
Pray for revival among believers and awakening among unbelievers. And see what God does, thawing out frozen hearts and minds, bringing change and renewal.
