Chrysostom
Beloved of All
Your prayer has been heard and I thank you for pouring out your heart so openly before the Lord. The many burdens you carry for protection and breakthrough, for wisdom and encouragement, for healing and for the work of the church, are not hidden from Him who hears in secret. He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, and He will fill the earth with His glory as you have asked.
I want to encourage you in the midst of so many conflicts. Scripture teaches us that every conflict has its root in love for the things of this life, in covetousness or envy or vainglory. Cut out the root and there will be no fruit. Learn to despise what is passing and to treasure what is above, for no one can steal your heavenly treasure. When a man takes money or honor, he has not injured you in what truly matters, if your heart is set on Christ. Also do not rush into conflicts, but wait upon the Lord. When we are dragged into trial we must stand nobly, but when we are not summoned we should be quiet and wait for the time of conflict, showing freedom from vainglory and nobleness of spirit. Remember Job, who when he heard the voice of the Lord said I have made myself vile and accounted myself earth and ashes, knowing that he suffered for God and that God was proving him righteous. And remember Abraham, whose last and hardest trial came at the end, that God might give him greater gain. Since temptation cannot be both long and severe without end, when the righteous are near the end of their conflicts God sometimes allows the struggle to be increased, that the crown may be greater. So be patient. What feels intolerable will be made tolerable when you see that deliverance is near at the doors.
Therefore I join you in prayer according to the will of God revealed in Scripture.
I pray for extra strong protection and breakthrough for you and for all in need, for the persecuted Christians, for the salvation of those who are still unsaved through Jesus Christ alone for there is no other name by which we are saved, for the peace of Israel, for those suffering in war zones and calamities, and for abused children. I pray for healing for those you named who are sick and wounded in soul, that the Lord would show His love, heal soul wounds, and be a Father to those who need a father, especially the young one facing school and exams.
For every relationship and conflict you mentioned, I pray that God would bring conviction where there is sin, healing where there is hurt, and reconciliation where it is true and holy. Where you asked that God would stop dysfunctional relationships and intervene in relationships that are not of Him, I agree and pray that the Lord would confront what is evil, convict all involved, bring repentance and salvation, and lead each person into purity. We do not ask God to bless what is outside His design, but we ask Him to make all relationships conform to His good pattern, that marriage would be honored as a lifelong covenant of one man and one woman, and that sexual intimacy and living together would be kept within that covenant alone. Where a relationship can be made holy through repentance and commitment in marriage, pray that God would strengthen it. Where it is not His will, pray that He would give grace to separate in holiness and to walk in purity. For those fueling harmful behavior, I pray that God would have His hand upon them for salvation and true healing.
I pray for your work and your team, for wisdom and strength and favor to do the work in a manner pleasing to God, for protection and guidance in every meeting, and for the conflicts in the church and with those you named to be mediated by Christ who is our peace. Forgive as you have confessed for speaking about others, and may God turn even that into a blessing. For your place in the church, for the sermons you are to preach, and for the evening of prayer and praise this Friday and all planned outreaches and services, I pray for a very strong anointing, for the presence of God to convict the church, to raise up more prayer warriors, and to save many. I pray that God would bring back those who have wandered and would defeat the works of the enemy, and that He would grant you encouragement in a great measure, with wisdom, strength, love, inspiration and authority to continue.
May the Lord keep you and the children you mentioned, heal quickly those who are ill, take away what afflicts, help with school and with every practical need, and speak clearly to all of you. Continue in prayer with a pure conscience, for that gives great comfort and even glory before God. Amen
I want to encourage you in the midst of so many conflicts. Scripture teaches us that every conflict has its root in love for the things of this life, in covetousness or envy or vainglory. Cut out the root and there will be no fruit. Learn to despise what is passing and to treasure what is above, for no one can steal your heavenly treasure. When a man takes money or honor, he has not injured you in what truly matters, if your heart is set on Christ. Also do not rush into conflicts, but wait upon the Lord. When we are dragged into trial we must stand nobly, but when we are not summoned we should be quiet and wait for the time of conflict, showing freedom from vainglory and nobleness of spirit. Remember Job, who when he heard the voice of the Lord said I have made myself vile and accounted myself earth and ashes, knowing that he suffered for God and that God was proving him righteous. And remember Abraham, whose last and hardest trial came at the end, that God might give him greater gain. Since temptation cannot be both long and severe without end, when the righteous are near the end of their conflicts God sometimes allows the struggle to be increased, that the crown may be greater. So be patient. What feels intolerable will be made tolerable when you see that deliverance is near at the doors.
Therefore I join you in prayer according to the will of God revealed in Scripture.
I pray for extra strong protection and breakthrough for you and for all in need, for the persecuted Christians, for the salvation of those who are still unsaved through Jesus Christ alone for there is no other name by which we are saved, for the peace of Israel, for those suffering in war zones and calamities, and for abused children. I pray for healing for those you named who are sick and wounded in soul, that the Lord would show His love, heal soul wounds, and be a Father to those who need a father, especially the young one facing school and exams.
For every relationship and conflict you mentioned, I pray that God would bring conviction where there is sin, healing where there is hurt, and reconciliation where it is true and holy. Where you asked that God would stop dysfunctional relationships and intervene in relationships that are not of Him, I agree and pray that the Lord would confront what is evil, convict all involved, bring repentance and salvation, and lead each person into purity. We do not ask God to bless what is outside His design, but we ask Him to make all relationships conform to His good pattern, that marriage would be honored as a lifelong covenant of one man and one woman, and that sexual intimacy and living together would be kept within that covenant alone. Where a relationship can be made holy through repentance and commitment in marriage, pray that God would strengthen it. Where it is not His will, pray that He would give grace to separate in holiness and to walk in purity. For those fueling harmful behavior, I pray that God would have His hand upon them for salvation and true healing.
I pray for your work and your team, for wisdom and strength and favor to do the work in a manner pleasing to God, for protection and guidance in every meeting, and for the conflicts in the church and with those you named to be mediated by Christ who is our peace. Forgive as you have confessed for speaking about others, and may God turn even that into a blessing. For your place in the church, for the sermons you are to preach, and for the evening of prayer and praise this Friday and all planned outreaches and services, I pray for a very strong anointing, for the presence of God to convict the church, to raise up more prayer warriors, and to save many. I pray that God would bring back those who have wandered and would defeat the works of the enemy, and that He would grant you encouragement in a great measure, with wisdom, strength, love, inspiration and authority to continue.
May the Lord keep you and the children you mentioned, heal quickly those who are ill, take away what afflicts, help with school and with every practical need, and speak clearly to all of you. Continue in prayer with a pure conscience, for that gives great comfort and even glory before God. Amen
