Dear Church Family,
Yesterday during the congregational prayer I closed with words from a prayer by a PCA pastor named Scotty Smith. I rarely use written prepared sentences in a prayer. [I do jot down items to be prayed for in my worship outline, so in that sense I do prepare my prayers for worship.] This prayer jumped out at me as I read it on his blog. It captures what we feel during this time of pandemic.
Rev. Smith referred to two verses that contrast two extremes. First, he cites Isaiah 42:3 that looks for to the Suffering Servant who “will not break a bruised reed and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out.” This points to the gentle character of Jesus who will lovingly shepherd His people. Then he goes to Luke 9:54 where disciples James and John, who were termed “Sons of Thunder” by Jesus in Mark 3:17, want to call down fire on a village in Samaria that did not welcome them. Thankfully, Jesus rebuked them, yet in our situation today, we are tempted to do that. Here is his prayer in full. I commend it to you as a prayer you might use in your daily walk with your Savior and Lord.
Lord Jesus, on this last day of September, we are grateful to know you rule the world
with your truth and grace. Perpetually praying for us; powerfully executing sovereignty over nations, nanoseconds, and naysayers; graciously meeting us with your burden-bearing love.
When we feel like “weak reeds” or “flickering candles,” you don’t judge us,
you welcome us. You don’t roll your eyes; you open your arms with kindness.
When we want to “turn over tables” or “call down fire,” you understand our disgust,
then hand us towels and basins, and bid us start washing feet again.
Jesus, we bring you our conflicted hearts, spinning heads, turning stomachs,
and twitching muscles. We’ve never lamented more deeply the state of our Dis-United States.
We’ve never longed more intensely for the fullness of your Kingdom. How long, Oh Lord?
We’ve never been more aware of our own need for the work of your Spirit,
the power of the Gospel, and the sufficiency of your grace. Jesus, keep us humble,
hopeful, and heart-centered for challenges ahead. So very Amen we pray,
in your kind and trust-worthy name.
Living by grace to His glory,
Pastor Gillikin