Weekly Prayer 07.30.18

Psalm 46:1-11 ESV

1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire.
10 "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

Almighty God, our Father,

You are my refuge -- You will keep me from whatever would destroy me.

You are my strength -- You will walk with me and carry me through whatever will refine me.

You are very present -- You are not a bystander. You are here. Every second. All Your attention. With a plan and purpose.

Help -- You are my counselor, my protector, my guide, my Father. You do not throw me in the deep end and watch to see if I figure it out for myself. You lead and guide me, counsel me and care for me. You are so personal!

Therefore, I will not fear -- You are God over medical tests; complex relationships; difficult employers; financial issues; weather forecasts; church politics; governments. You are the Lord of Hosts. You are the Sovereign of all creation. You. are. GOD.

And You. are. with. me. So, I can be still, cease striving. stop worrying. You, the Lord of Hosts, with all the armies of heaven at Your disposal; You, who is Sovereign over weather, and governments, and people and things -- You are with me. You are my fortress.

You are my refuge and strength. A very present help in trouble . . .

amen 

This week please remember to pray for our brothers and sisters in Turkey. Pastor Andrew Brunson has been much in the news recently because of his imprisonment, impending trial, house arrest. There are so many others who are enduring hardship, imprisonment, conflict and scorn. Pray also for the captors and the government. Pray for their salvation.