“When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 NKJV
God of forgiveness and healing,
What a promise, what a gift that keeps on giving. These verses are so often called upon in prayer meetings. King Solomon had finished the Temple, there had been 7 days of celebrating and then Your overwhelming glory came and filled the Temple! Your people fell on their faces in worship. But – it was not till the night after, that the Lord came to Solomon quietly and answered their prayers with this promise. It is not always in the big meetings, and celebrations that You speak to us. Often it is the moments we are alone and receptive to Your voice. Help us hear.
What a promise, forgiveness of sin and healing for the land. What do You tell them and us to do? Come together as God’s people, humble ourselves, turn away from wicked ways and seek Your face. Romans 11:17 reminds us that in Christ we have been grafted into Your olive tree and share in its nourishing sap. We too can look to this promise of God to Israel.
Today, how we need to come humbly, turning from sin and praying for our nation and world. It is our responsibility. To pray for our government, Kings, our churches (the people), our sin sick society. One thing we know, one thing we are sure of You answer prayer. Heal our nation one heart at a time.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God of forgiveness and healing,
For our family, friends, neighbours, church fellowship. Meet their many needs today and grant them peace of mind.
For Kings, rulers and Governments.
For the HRH King Charles and HRH Duchess of Cambridge, Kate’s recovery back to full health and strength.
For our government, each person to know the right thing to do and unity and respect.
For nations and their rulers and governments to have a desire to make peace, and make it happen.
For Ukraine and Gaza and a permanent peace for all. Myanmar, North Korea and Syria.
For those who work away often unseen making society safer and pleasant. Nurses, dustbin men, electrician’s, reservoir keepers, police, bakers, farmers . . .
For those who do not have what they need to live through no fault of their own. The organisations that work out of compassion to provide food, medical care and support to become self sufficient.
For refugees and children who live in continual danger and need. Send support and supplies.
For us, to be blessed seeing friends, speaking to family, and knowing You are looking upon us with love.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 3rd February 2024
Perhaps just listen . . . then sing with the second more familiar one . . .
If my people who are called by My name
will humble themselves, humble themselves,
and pray
If my people who are called by My name
will humble themselves, humble themselves,
and pray
and seek My face,
and seek my face,
and turn from their wicked ways,
then I will hear from heaven,
and will forgive their sin
and will heal their land.