The Urgency of the Hour Sometimes this shortness of time is expressed in relationship to the coming of the Lord to bring all time to an end: “What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away” (1 Corinthians 7:29–31). Urgency in the Bible is sometimes connected to both the completion of a task and a passion that connects us to God. I believe the following passage speaks strongly to us today of that situation: “For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch” (Isaiah 62:1). Isaiah had begun to sense God’s heart for His people. Through drawing near in prayer, the prophet’s heart was lining up with God’s heart. Many times the Lord had revealed His unfailing love for Israel and His desire for His people to return to Him. Isaiah began to pray the Lord’s agenda, and it was a prayer of passion and urgency. –Taken from Prayer and the End of Days (Praying God’s Purposes in Troubled Times) by David Butts. Father, for Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch! In the powerful Name of Jesus Christ, Amen! Prayer Points Give praise to God as the all-seeing one who knows the smallest detail of the future. Thank God for revealing some things to you about the future. Confess the ease with which you plan for the future without taking into account God’s knowledge of what will happen (Jas. 4:13-15). Commit yourself to bringing your plans to him daily, asking his insight and guidance. Ask God to begin preparing you now for the challenges that lie ahead. Pray for young people who are concerned about their future—and the elderly who are facing the unknowns of death in their future. Ask God to reassure them of his presence with them always. –Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend Prayer and the End of Days (Praying God’s Purposes in Troubled Times) by David Butts is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount on the book. Connection is sponsored by PrayerConnect Magazine. Click here to download a free issue. Click here to subscribe to this valuable resource that will help you and your church connect to the heart of Christ through prayer! Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2013 is published by Harvest Prayer Ministries. Subscribe free at connection.harvestprayer Posted in Devotions on September 13, 2013 |
Posted on: Fri, 13 Sep 2013 12:48:16 +0000
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