Wisdom & healing

There seem to be two themes in my life right now. First is that of seeking God's wisdom and guidance for decisions to be made. Second is that of needing healing. These themes manefest themselves in different ways - a friend whose mother was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and has "weeks or months" left - wanting God's choice for the new lead pastor at our church - another friend whose husband and two children are ill right now - our family needing to make a major decision based on faith ... wisdom, healing. Healing, wisdom. God. It all ties in together.

Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near....My word that goes out from my mouth...will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isa. 55:6, 11 NIV)

God of Wisdom, Mercy, and Peace,
In many corners of this world people are facing decisions, health crisis, and/or death to this life. Pour out the power of your Spirit into those places. Pour out mercy, healing, and peace upon those struggling with health or end-of-life issues. Pour out wisdom, knowledge, guidance, and peace upon those seeking your way. We claim your promise that your word will not return empty but will accomplish your desires and achieve your purposes. May we seek first your Kingdom and call upon you who is always near for your honor and for the futherance of your Church's ministry here on earth. In the powerful name of Christ we pray.
Amen

Decked out for delight

Listen, God! Please, pay attention! Can you make sense of these ramblings, my groans and cries? King-God, I need your help.
Every morning
you'll hear me at it again.
Every morning
I lay out the pieces of my life
on your altar
and watch for fire to descend.

Oh God - hear my humble prayer for forgiveness from sin. Cleanse me from unrighteousness. Restore to me the joy of communion with you.

^4-6 You don't socialize with Wicked,
or invite Evil over as your houseguest.
Hot-Air-Boaster collapses in front of you;
you shake your head over Mischief-Maker.
God destroys Lie-Speaker;
Blood-Thirsty and Truth-Bender disgust you.

Protect your children from sliding into things that are disgusting to you, things that do not show your Light and Life to this world.

^7-8 And here I am, your invited guest—
it's incredible!
I enter your house; here I am,
prostrate in your inner sanctum,
Waiting for directions
to get me safely through enemy lines.

Thank you for the invitation to be your child, to live the abundant life, to know your directions and protection.

^9-10 Every word they speak is a land mine;
their lungs breathe out poison gas.
Their throats are gaping graves,
their tongues slick as mudslides.
Pile on the guilt, God!
Let their so-called wisdom wreck them.
Kick them out! They've had their chance.

Show us your wisdom. Speak your words through us.

^11-12 But you'll welcome us with open arms
when we run for cover to you.
Let the party last all night!
Stand guard over our celebration.
You are famous, God, for welcoming God-seekers,
for decking us out in delight. (Psalm 5 MSG)

Amen and amen!!

To seek and save the lost

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”  Luke 19:10 NIV

You're the Word of God the Father

From before the world began

Ev'ry star and ev'ry planet

Has been fashioned by Your hand

All creation holds together

By the power of Your voice

Let the skies declare Your glory

Let the land and seas rejoice

With the multitude in heaven, we cry out:

   "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb." 
   "Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!"  (Rev. 7:10, 12 NIV)

Yet You left the gaze of angels

Came to seek and save the lost

And exchanged the joy of heaven

For the anguish of a cross

With a prayer You fed the hungry

With a word You stilled the sea

Yet how silently You suffered

That the guilty may go free

Thank you that you came to seek and save us, the Lost.  Thank you for enduring the cross for us.  Thank you for freeing us from guilt, shame, skubalon, and sin that we may live the abundant life you call us to. 

With a shout You rose victorious

Wresting victory from the grave

And ascended into heaven

Leading captives in Your wake

Now You stand before the Father

Interceding for Your own

From each tribe and tongue and nation

You are leading sinners home*

God, we cry out today for those who are lost and captive. 

We pray, loving Spirit, for you to call out to those who do not yet know you as Lord; may they soon trust fully in your promises.  

We pray for places in this world where those who live the Gospel are persecuted; may your strength and power encourage your children. 

We pray for those who are lost in a sea of fear, upheaval, grief, ignorance, directionless-ness, busyness, and distraction; may your sweet voice speak peace and focus into their lives.

We pray for those who do not have the basic necessities of life - clean water, nutritious food, basic medical care, a safe home, and especially love. 

We pray for all the lost in this world, in whatever kind of "lost" they may be, and pray that you would not only intercede for them, Jesus, but lead them - lead us - home.  May Lakeshore be a place where Lost people come home to.  May we join the company in heave proclaiming the salvation of our God!  Amen, praise, honor and glory be to you!

Amen.

*"Across The Lands"

CCLI Song No. 3709898

© 2002 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)

Keith Getty | Stuart Townend

The state of our hearts

 ⁷ “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7-9 NLT

"Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." Matthew 12:34

God's been really challenging me with this verse.  It causes me to really think about the "state of my heart" and how that is in relationship with God and other people.  I don't know exactly where any of you are in this regard, but maybe it's still a challenge for you, too.  So, we pray....

God, 

You created the earth and said it was good.  You created us and said we were very good.  Yet, we know that our hearts are not always as pure and holy as you are.  Create in us clean hearts.  Cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  May our thoughts, words, and actions be honoring to you.  We ask, we seek, we knock on your door for the needs of our hearts...   and for the courage to let you work within us.  May your Church be a shining light to the community around us, a city on a hill, a place of restoration, healing, and grace.  May our hearts and words be those which draw others to the depth of your love.

Amen