A prayer written years ago in my worship journal while living in another country; a prayer for healing and restoration in the church we attended.
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.
I pray that you will grant us a token for good that those who hate you may see it and be ashamed. 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.
Let not this blow that fell Sunday on the wall of pride, tradition and fear of man go for nothing. 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 in power, a defeat of the enemy, a powerful overcoming of his plans and tactics with your great wisdom, power and love.
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.
Answer out of your great love, your mercy and grace. Sweep in in strength, transform in power, tear down and build up in wisdom. 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, much more slowly than I wanted, but thoroughly, carefully and as far the people, including us, were willing to change. He is faithful to His Word, and praying it is how we join Him in what He is doing.
