Pray Christmas - Day 6

[Mark S Mirza]

December 6

• Background to today’s prayer

  • Job was blameless, yet look at all that God allowed, in fact, PROMPTED sataN to put into his life

    • loss of possessions,

    • loss of family,

    • attacked by friends,

    • attacked by wife.

  • In the west we  do not think we should suffer.

  • We expect to be RELIEVED of suffering.

  • Is this the new disease of affluence?

• Today’s prayer

Reading about how Zechariah and Elizabeth (John the Baptist’s dad and mom) were upright and blameless (Luke 1:6), I’m reminded of Job who was also blameless (Job 1:1,8;2:3) and look at the trials You allowed in his life. Lord, as we wander through this joyous time of giving, let us remember that blessings are not defined by those around us, but by our relationship with You. In the West we have difficulties come our way and we want, no, we expect, relief from them. Forgive us Father for thinking that following in Your Son’s footsteps, the footsteps of suffering (1 Peter 2:21) is NOT for us, even though Your Son’s advent into this world was for the, purpose of the cross (John 12:27) Forgive us Lord for our arrogance, and teach us to thank You FOR everything (Ephesians 5:20).

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[Malva Birch]

* Praying 25 Days of Christmas: Day 7

 

Lord God, please give us courage to endure and peace to guard our minds and hearts. But let only that which You want, be our training, because the enemy must be resisted. Give us discernment what to endure and what to resist.

 

James 1:2-5 NIV Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. NIV

 

James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. NIV

[Malva Birch]

* Praying 25 Days of Christmas: Day 6

Lord God, please be with all who suffer, especially the persecuted Church. Forgive our unwillingness to share in Your suffering. Help us to keep our eyes on You and to be able to see the blessing in our suffering - fellowship with You. Help us to persevere. Thank You for Your Presence.

 

Matt 5:11 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. BSB

 

1 Pet 4:14 If you are insulted because of the Name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.