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Sermon Series:
Following Jesus
Earthly Cross
His Name Is
Apostles Creed
Dealing with Feelings
Jonah
Get Real
Promised Land Living

Grace Church
257 Kendall Street
Burlington, WI 53105

(262) 763-3021

Email:
Pastor Scott Carson

Secretary Patti Hall

PASTOR'S PENS 2003

Grace Church of Burlington March 30, 2003                          "When your knees knock together, kneel on them."                  During our current national crisis a lot of people are talking about prayer. The question is "What do you pray for?" Some requests are obvious, such as praying for our soldiers and leaders. But are there some requests that fit clearly into God’s plan and will during this war? I believe so. Ron Hutchcraft recently wrote "10 Ways to Pray in Times Like These." I found them very helpful and believe that our Grace Prayer Warriors will too.             1. Lord, use this to demonstrate your glory to our world. "Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let your glory be over all the earth" Ps 108:5. "Look at the nations and watch– and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told." Habakkuk 1:5. This is a moment for God to do something that no diplomat, no world leader, no army could possibly do - so all will know that "the Lord He is God."             2. Lord, use these uncertain times to bring many to Christ. "Pray...that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly" 2 Thess. 3:1. That God would use this fearful time to reach the hearts of many...in Iraq, in America, across the Middle East, among the young men and women of the military.             3. Lord, guide our leaders to be instruments of Your will on earth. "I urge...that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone– for kings and all those in authority..." 1 Tim. 2:1, 2. A believer's responsibility is to "honor the king" (I Peter 2:17) and to pray for those in authority. This transcends political labels and issues and is a spiritual responsibility!             4. Lord, protect the innocent. "Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble" Psalm 41:1. "A Father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling." Psalm 68:5.             In the violence of war, of oppression, of terrorism, only God can protect the innocent – innocent citizens, innocent victims, innocent combatants.             5. Lord, use human authorities to punish evildoers. "The governing authorities ... are God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the evildoer" Romans 13:1, 4. Ultimately it is God Himself, sometimes using human instruments, who removes those He does not want in authority any longer.             6. Lord, have Your way and Your will in the lives of our enemies. "Pray for those who mistreat you." Luke 6:27 Jesus has charged us to represent even our enemies before His Throne of Grace.             7. Lord, make a way for people to live in the dignity and freedom that goes with being made in Your image. "Live as free men..." 1 Pet. 2:16. "Act justly ... love mercy ... walk humbly with your God" Micah 6:8. Every person on this planet is made in God’s image, and thus, worthy of dignity and respect.             8. Lord, help Your people model peace in these troubled times, pointing the people around them to Jesus at a time when hearts are soft."We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure" Heb. 6:19. "Open your eyes and look at fields! They are ripe for harvest" John 4:35. This uncertain time is a life-saving moment, when those who belong to Jesus have an unusual window to introduce Him to those who don't. But the window may not be open for long.             9. Lord, use world events to open many doors that have been closed to Your Gospel."The Lord has His way in the whirlwind and in the storm" Nahum 1:3. "Pray that God may open a door for our message..." Col. 4:3. God's plan is much larger than disarmament, political change, or military victory. It’s about getting the Good News of His Son into hearts and places it has never gone!             10. Lord, bring peace out of all that's happening. "That we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness" 1 Tim. 2:2. The Father has told us that the result He desires in answer to our prayers for our leaders is a climate where peace and righteousness can flourish.             And please remember that "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" James 5:16.