Weekly Prayer: A prayer for taking the ground God has given us
SCRIPTURE:
“Then the land had rest from war.” Joshua 11:23
“And another generation rose up after them who did not know the Lord.” Judges 2: 10-11
WEEKLY PRAYER REFLECTION:
While we were on our mission trip in Brussels something happened that I believe the Lord will keep teaching me through for a long time. We were trying to make our way through the crowded streets near the town square during a heavy rain. People were rushing in every direction. We were trying to get our kids their promised Belgian waffles before running to catch our train.
In the middle of all of that movement I was hit hard by a large box carried by two men. It knocked the air out of me and the men kept going without a glance or an apology. My daughter looked worried. I was hurting and, honestly, offended by how they brushed past me without care.
But before the feelings could settle in I heard myself say out loud, I forgive them. It surprised me. Yet right in that moment the Lord spoke something into my heart that felt like a deep truth I needed to hold on to. I heard, You cannot love what you are offended by.
It stopped me in my tracks. We were in Brussels to pray for the people there. If I had chosen to hold on to that offense my prayers would have been weighed down by it. My heart would have shifted from love to frustration. God reminded me that forgiveness clears the way for love to flow. It frees our prayers. It keeps our hearts steady so we can minister to the people He puts in our path.
I want to grow into someone who forgives quickly and who refuses to let offense take root. I want my first response to be grace. And so I pray for that, for myself and for all of us who want to love people well.
WEEKLY PRAYER:
Father,
Grant us courage to take every part of the ground You have entrusted to us and conquer the enemies of spiritual darkness that hinder our walk with You. Show us anything we have tolerated that keeps us from full obedience. Strengthen our resolve. Purify our homes. Lead our children to know You in a deep and steady way. Grow faithfulness in us so that generations after us stand firm in Your truth and remember the God who keeps His word always.
Amen.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Where do you sense God calling you to take new spiritual ground
Are there places in your life where you may have settled for almost obedience
What influences are shaping your home and your family
How can you guard what God has placed in your care
What daily choices help you build a legacy of faith for the next generation
