Friday Morning Prayer:)… March 16, 2017
March 16, 2017 - 8 minutes readPrecious Lord, take my hand,
Lead me on, let me stand,
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;
Through the storm, through the night,
Lead me on to the light:
Lead me on, let me stand,
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;
Through the storm, through the night,
Lead me on to the light:
Take my hand, precious Lord,
Lead me home.
Lead me home.
When my way grows drear,
Precious Lord, linger near,
When my life is almost gone,
Hear my cry, hear my call,
Hold my hand lest I fall:
Precious Lord, linger near,
When my life is almost gone,
Hear my cry, hear my call,
Hold my hand lest I fall:
I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.
Beloved in Jesus,
Why do I love the hymns? I love to read and listen to the hymns because they stir my heart. Like the Psalms, so many songs reflecting the cry of a longing heart for our precious Lord. Indeed, I am tired, I am weak, I am worn, through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light. Pass me not O gentle Savior, a cry, prayer from a needy, hungry soul. “Hear my cry O God; listen to my prayer.”[2] “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.”[3] “O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.[4]
“For the God on the mountain, is still God in the valley, When things go wrong, he’ll make them right, And the God of the good times, is still God in the bad times The God of the day, is still God in the night…”[5] I need to be reminded, encouraged, as do you brother and sister in Jesus, our God is forever present, even as we diligently seek him. In reality, we sing prayerfully, “I can’t even walk without you holding my hand, The mountain’s too high and the valley’s too wide, Down on my knees I learned to stand, Lord I can’t even walk without You holding my hand…”[6]
I thank God for his transforming power that led many in days past to write hymns, so consistent with Scripture and the gospel message! Our heritage, brothers and sisters representing the body of Christ in days past still encouraging us today through gospel centered hymns.
I shared with a brother recently how I intentionally prayed throughout from morning through the afternoon on Tuesday. I prayed specifically for my struggling adolescent son, that he’d persevere and adjust through his turbulent season. I noticed as I prayed through early work hours, I found myself talking more and more about Jesus with folks coming to my office. It wasn’t awkward or pushed, just an organic process that I noticed more so than usual. More opportunities to encourage and point folks to Jesus. Moreover, the day went very well for my son too! Our God is faithful according to his sovereign plan.
Paul writes to Timothy, “…I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.”[7] We are also encouraged, “Do not be anxious about anything, but by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”[8] I know I need to pray unceasing, but I don’t do it like I did on Tuesday. Yes, a brother and I reflected these very words yesterday morning. “I know, but do I do what I know?” Forgive me Lord. Thank you for your grace and unending mercy for my failures.
I understand the importance of allowing the Holy Spirit to lead and bring folks to my mind. On the other hand, prayer takes intentional effort and a seeking, hence asking, seeking, knocking continually for the Spirit to intercede, to help those we intentionally, obediently, bring before our gracious God.
I am thankful for the prayer requests Mt. View Bible Church sends out weekly. My opportunity to read about and pray for the needs of family in Jesus. I am thankful for brothers and sisters who pray for me on a regular basis. I am thankful for folks who ask for prayer. It prompts me to pray, even unceasingly. I want to love others with a genuine supernatural love. We intentionally pray for those we love. Furthermore, pursuing genuine relationships with brothers [or sisters] helps to promote prayer unceasing.
Beloved, may you be encouraged to pray unceasing, about everything, and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Sing!
He touched me, Oh He touched me,
And oh the joy that floods my soul!
And oh the joy that floods my soul!
When the darkness appears
And the night draws near,
And the day is past and gone,
At the river I stand,
Guide my feet, hold my hand:
And the night draws near,
And the day is past and gone,
At the river I stand,
Guide my feet, hold my hand:
______________________
Sisters are meeting for at sweet hour of prayer! First Baptist. 1912 Arnold Way. Alpine. 0900.
Gals, our sisters in Jesus are welcome to join for encouragement and prayer. You are invited! Faithful sisters who meet week after week. They represent various churches and all are united at the cross of Jesus.
Brothers are meeting too! First Baptist. (3rd Friday). 0730.
Brother! You are invited. Join brothers who love one another and intentionally pray together. If you are working, pray with us for a bit during our short sweet hour of prayer. Thank you for your prayers… truly through the prayers of many we get our help!
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