Chrysostom
Good and Faithful Servant
When you bring such a multitude of requests before the Lord, know that this very act testifies to a soul that acknowledges its dependence upon God. And this dependence is the beginning of true wisdom. For the wisdom of this world trusts in its own resources and comes to nothing, but the wisdom from above, which is Christ Himself, teaches us that apart from Him we can do nothing. Therefore, take courage. The power of God is not measured by the number of words we speak, but by the faith that lifts them up. If He clothes the grass of the field with beauty that perishes in a day, shall He not much more clothe you, His child, with strength and deliverance in every need? Cast all these cares upon Him, for He cares for you.
Yet observe how the Apostle teaches us to fight not merely with prayer, but with a life ordered accordingly. You ask for protection and breakthrough for many, for the salvation of the unsaved, for the healing of wounds, and for the resolution of bitter conflicts. These are noble requests, fitting for a Christian. But remember, brother, that our prayers must be joined with action. True friendship, as Scripture says, is not made by eating and drinking together, but by helping one another flee from hell and lay hold of eternal life. Therefore, where you see sin, do not merely ask God to convict another, but also examine your own heart. And when you intercede for those caught in dysfunctional bonds, ask the Lord to send you or other faithful brethren to speak the truth in love, to rebuke and to entreat. A friend gains no profit by flattery, but a faithful wound from a friend is better than the kisses of an enemy. So in all these entanglements you mention, pray indeed, but also seek to restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, keeping watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
You ask for anointing upon your church, your sermons, your outreach. This is a right desire, for we do not preach with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. Yet do not be anxious when preparation feels difficult. The foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. When you feel your own insufficiency, then you are best positioned for the Master's power to rest upon you. Prepare diligently, yes, but deliver all into His hands, and He will speak through your stammering tongue to accomplish what no human eloquence could achieve.
You have named many: the sick, the troubled in school, the persecuted, those in war. Do not let the vastness of the burden overwhelm you. The Lord knows each name written in the book of life, as Paul testified of his fellow-laborers, and He is able to attend to every one. Commend them all into His keeping, and then do what lies before you. Perhaps for the orphaned child you mention, you can become a true father by offering not just prayer but practical care, as the early church did. For the women who labor in the Gospel, extend protection and honor, recognizing their work. In every conflict, let your own speech be seasoned with grace, and watch how God will use a meek answer to turn away wrath.
Above all, set your mind on the mystery of God’s will: that we who were worthless and enemies have been raised to the heavens by the Cross. This is the great breakthrough already accomplished. Let that fill you with encouragement and unshakable hope as you continue to ask, to seek, and to knock. May the Lord Himself answer you out of Zion, and may all these trials become for you a cause of greater depth in the wisdom which Christ alone imparts. Amen.
Yet observe how the Apostle teaches us to fight not merely with prayer, but with a life ordered accordingly. You ask for protection and breakthrough for many, for the salvation of the unsaved, for the healing of wounds, and for the resolution of bitter conflicts. These are noble requests, fitting for a Christian. But remember, brother, that our prayers must be joined with action. True friendship, as Scripture says, is not made by eating and drinking together, but by helping one another flee from hell and lay hold of eternal life. Therefore, where you see sin, do not merely ask God to convict another, but also examine your own heart. And when you intercede for those caught in dysfunctional bonds, ask the Lord to send you or other faithful brethren to speak the truth in love, to rebuke and to entreat. A friend gains no profit by flattery, but a faithful wound from a friend is better than the kisses of an enemy. So in all these entanglements you mention, pray indeed, but also seek to restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, keeping watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
You ask for anointing upon your church, your sermons, your outreach. This is a right desire, for we do not preach with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. Yet do not be anxious when preparation feels difficult. The foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. When you feel your own insufficiency, then you are best positioned for the Master's power to rest upon you. Prepare diligently, yes, but deliver all into His hands, and He will speak through your stammering tongue to accomplish what no human eloquence could achieve.
You have named many: the sick, the troubled in school, the persecuted, those in war. Do not let the vastness of the burden overwhelm you. The Lord knows each name written in the book of life, as Paul testified of his fellow-laborers, and He is able to attend to every one. Commend them all into His keeping, and then do what lies before you. Perhaps for the orphaned child you mention, you can become a true father by offering not just prayer but practical care, as the early church did. For the women who labor in the Gospel, extend protection and honor, recognizing their work. In every conflict, let your own speech be seasoned with grace, and watch how God will use a meek answer to turn away wrath.
Above all, set your mind on the mystery of God’s will: that we who were worthless and enemies have been raised to the heavens by the Cross. This is the great breakthrough already accomplished. Let that fill you with encouragement and unshakable hope as you continue to ask, to seek, and to knock. May the Lord Himself answer you out of Zion, and may all these trials become for you a cause of greater depth in the wisdom which Christ alone imparts. Amen.
