“Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains would tremble before you! 2 As when fire sets twigs ablaze and causes water to boil, come down to make your name known to your enemies and cause the nations to quake before you! 3 For when you did awesome things that we did not expect, you came down, and the mountains trembled before you. 4 Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.” Isaiah 64:1-4 NIV
God who acts,
Sometimes when I pray I can completely agree with Isaiah. I wish You would come down and shake up this world and make it tremble before You. I know in my heart that You will do one day and all eyes will see You (Revelation 1:7). And then I was annoyed to discover that the chapter heading had split up a pray which actually started at Chapter 63:15! |I shall have to work on my cheerfulness Lord! The Prayer begins with . . .
“Look down from heaven and see, from your lofty throne, holy and glorious. Where are your zeal and your might? Your tenderness and compassion are withheld from us. 16 But you are our Father, though Abraham does not know us or Israel acknowledge us; you, Lord, are our Father, our Redeemer from of old is your name. 17 Why, Lord, do you make us wander from your ways and harden our hearts so we do not revere you? Return for the sake of your servants, the tribes that are your inheritance. 18 For a little while your people possessed your holy place, but now our enemies have trampled down your sanctuary. 19 We are yours from of old; but you have not ruled over them, they have not been called by your name.” Isaiah 63:15-19
I can empathise with this prayer. Man constantly wanders from You, holiness, goodness and truth. It does seem like the church is struggling and the enemy is breaking in. But then I return to the last words. There is no other God besides You and You will in Your time act on behalf of those of us who wait for You. And the church in other countries is actually thriving and growing. But could You rend the heavens a little ans send us revival?
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God who acts,
We bring our family, friends, neighbours, colleagues and the people who worship at our church and fellowship. Act for good in their lives and shine the light of Your countenance upon them and grant them peace (Numbers 6:26). Grant us patience, peace and joy and all we need for this coming week.
Thank You for the church worldwide and all those who faithfully worship You. Grant inspiration, Bible translations, trained Bible leaders and pastoral care even in the isolated churches. Plant seeds of faith in all the children who attend missionary schools and church schools. Water and grow them and bless their families.
Revive us and restore to us, and those we worship with, the joy of Your salvation (Psalm 51:12).
Ukraine Lord, cause Russia to quake before You and change their oppression. The church in Afghanistan, Myanmar and many other places where they are terrorised and persecuted, be their God of refuge.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 21st August 2023
This day we call upon the living Lord
And seek Your mercy and Your grace
How we as a nation have turned our face away from You
And followed other ways
May we see You as You are
Manifested glorious power Lord Jesus
Rend the Heavens and come down
In Your majesty come down
In Your mercy Lord come down upon us
Clothe Yourself in robes of grace
You are welcome in this place
Where the saints are gathered for Your worship Lord
Not for our gain but for the glory of Your name
We gather round Your throne
In humble adoration plead for this generation
Jesus let Your name be known
May they see You as You are
Manifested glorious power Lord Jesus
Lyrics: Robin Mark