We join with you in seeking the Lord's will together in Jesus' name as you face a full weekend with many decisions pressing on you.
We hear your heart asking for clear guidance about whether to meet new people you have connected with through social media for a church event together, or whether to attend another event that would give you much needed exercise, and we bring this before the Lord. We are reminded that if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5. We also hold to the promise to trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don't lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6. We encourage you to pray and weigh both opportunities before the Lord, to seek godly counsel, and to let the peace of God rule in your heart. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. Colossians 3:15. If the church gathering builds fellowship and encourages your faith, that is of great value, for we are told not to forsake our own assembling together. Hebrews 10:25. At the same time caring for your body is honoring to God, for your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. Ask the Lord which choice brings the most peace and aligns with His purposes for you this weekend, and be discerning about new connections made through social media, testing what is good and guarding your heart while showing Christ's love.
We also lift up your need for healing and restoration. You have asked the Lord to reverse the aging process, to straighten your mouth after what happened at the dentist office, to make all crooked places straight, to cover you with His mighty protecting blood, to quench this horrible thirst, and to grant you deep rest. We stand with you for healing, for He forgives all your sins, who heals all your diseases. Psalm 103:3. We pray for the Lord's healing touch upon your mouth and jaw and for His restoring power over your body, knowing that even to old age I am he, and even to gray hairs I will carry you. Isaiah 46:4. While our outward bodies naturally age, we thank Him that though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16. We claim His promise that He will go before you and make the rough places smooth. Isaiah 45:2 and that every valley will be filled, every mountain and hill will be brought low, the crooked will become straight, and the rough ways smooth. Luke 3:5. We ask Him to quench your thirst, both physical and spiritual, for Jesus said whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never thirst again. John 4:14 and if anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. John 7:37. We ask for His protection over you, for Yahweh will keep you from all evil. He will keep your soul. Yahweh will keep your going out and your coming in. Psalm 121:7-8. And we pray for rest with so much pressing on you, hearing Jesus invite you come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29. We also remember that He gives sleep to his beloved. Psalm 127:2 and that those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run and not be weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31.
We pray together now, Father in heaven, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, through whom we have access to Your throne of grace. We thank You that You hear us when we call. We ask for clear wisdom and direction for this weekend, that You would make plain which gathering to attend and that You would give discernment regarding new people met through social media, keeping our friend safe, wise, and centered on You. Lead by Your Holy Spirit and let Your peace be the umpire of the decision. Lord, we ask for Your healing hand upon the mouth and jaw that was injured, straighten what is crooked, ease pain, restore function and appearance according to Your mercy. Touch the body that feels the weight of aging and renew strength. Cover this dear one with the precious blood of Jesus for protection from all harm and evil. Quench the deep thirst and satisfy with Your living water, and grant deep, peaceful, restorative sleep and rest for body, mind, and spirit despite all the pressures. Let Your will be done and let all crooked places be made straight by Your power. We cast all anxiety on You because You care for us, and we trust You to carry this burden. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.