February 7, 2021 Prayer - Judgement and Exposure of Evil

Lord of Hosts,

Holy God to whom all praise is due, we are in awe of your greatness, your holiness, your justice and your grace and mercy.  Thank you, God, for the ways in which you are bringing into the Light the darkness, corruption, and wickedness that has been hidden in this nation's government, media, arts & entertainment, education, business, and even Church sectors.  We know our struggle isn't against people, but against the cosmic powers of this present darkness - the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.  At whatever level they may be, we command exposure, in Jesus's name, of the evil works of these "swamps" and ask for your strong, mighty, and true judgments. We ask your continued revelation of places where darkness has been called light and bitter has been called sweet. We pray that you would convict of their sin hearts and minds that are mired in wickedness, and, for those who persist in sin, you would rebuke them in the presence of all.  We pray your guidance and hand of protection to be upon investigators, lawyers, journalists, and others who are working to expose those who hate your Light, Truth, and true Justice. May the fear of the Lord be poured out on this nation and, with it, the hatred of evil, pride, arrogance, and perverted speech. May the fear of the Lord be upon this nation so there is no perversion of justice, partiality, or taking of bribes.  May your people take no part in unfruitful works of darkness, but work courageously and with endurance to expose evil.    You are exalted by justice and show yourself holy by righteousness. May the call to be holy as you are holy be heard and may a spirit of repentance be poured out upon us. We pray in the powerful name of Jesus, Amen!

"Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them." (Eph. 5:11 NRSV)

"As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest also may stand in fear." (1 Tim. 5:20 NRSV)

"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!" (Isa. 5:20 ESV)

"The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate." (Prov. 8:13 NRSV)

"For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." (Eph. 6:12 NRSV)

"For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed." (John 3:20 ESV)

"Now, let the fear of the Lord be upon you; take care what you do, for there is no perversion of justice with the Lord our God, or partiality, or taking of bribes.” (2 Chron. 19:7 NRSV))

"The Lord of hosts is exalted by justice, and the Holy God shows himself holy by righteousness." (Isa. 5:16 NRSV)

"“You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16 ESV)

Rising in freedom

There's a peace I've come to know

Though my heart and flesh may fail

There's an anchor for my soul

I can say it is well

In the last few months one set of themes around me have been about love, grace, and freedom.  This past Sunday we visited a church finishing up a series on "Setting the Captives Free," where, as a part of the service, they had 40 individuals and couples walk across the platform, each carrying a large cardboard sign explaining what they had been freed from on one side and their current state on the other (like a "then" and "now"). For instance - "One week from divorce" became "Strong, growing marriage;" "Abortion 9-21-83" became "Son born 8-26-91"; "Alcoholic in college" became "40 years sober."  

(And) I will rise when He calls my name

No more sorrow no more pain

I will rise on eagle's wings

Before my God fall on my knees and rise

I will rise

And, isn't that what Easter is about?  We are freed from the chains of sin and death.

Jesus has overcome

And the grave is overwhelmed

The victory is won

He is risen from the dead

⁶ "I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; 
       I will take hold of your hand. 
       I will keep you and will make you 
       to be a covenant for the people 
       and a light for the Gentiles,

 ⁷ to open eyes that are blind, 
       to free captives from prison 
       and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.  (Isa. 42 NIV)

So, this is my prayer for us this week:

Bondage-breaking God, we pray you would free us from any ongoing fears, shame, depression, sin, or anything that inhibits us from flying free. Grace-giving, God, help us know love, joy, and freedom through Christ.  El Shaddai, All-Sufficient, help us to hold on to the hand of our Savior and be a Light to those around us.  Omnipotent, Holy, and Loving God, be honored in our ministries.

Amen. 

"I Will Rise" - CCLI Song No. 5183450

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