Deus Misereatur

Paul directed young pastor Timothy with these words: “I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands , without wrath & doubting.” A quick rummaging through all of Scripture will show that there are abundant references to the body having a role in prayer. Solomon dedicated the temple and he prayed with hands uplifted, while standing up on his knees (1 Kings 8.22, 54). David prayed for his dying child, prostrate on the floor (2 Samuel 12.16). Jesus threw himself to the ground in grief when praying in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 15.35). On top of this there is standing in God's holy place (Psalm 24.3); and also taking bread and eating, taking the cup and drinking (Matthew 26.26-27); and the list could be expanded. As we gather in God’s assembly Sunday by Sunday, our bodies are very much a part of our worship. We are to reign in our bodies and should throw them into our praying and worship of God Almighty. Therefore, it is very fitting and proper that w...

[Note: Today, at the National Day of Prayer, we met at True Lite Christian Fellowship. I was one of the pastors who led in prayer. There were several others from across the city of Midland who led as well. This was the prayer I used. There is a mixture of resources from Amos 5 & the Book of Common Prayer woven throughout. Feel free to use this for your NDOP event-MWP .] ------ LORD God of Hosts, God of our forbearers, Abraham, Isaac & Jacob, who keeps faith with Your people, whose trustworthiness is the foundation of truth, whose mercy & justice go hand-in-glove; we come before You, not trusting in our own supposed righteousness, but trusting in Your Son Jesus Christ. O Lord, have mercy & hear our prayer! You have said “Seek Me and live; But do not seek Bethel, Nor enter Gilgal, Nor pass over to Beersheba; For Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, & Bethel shall come to nothing.” Turn our hearts & affections away from trusting in falsehoods - both religiou...