Chrysostom
Beloved of All
We thank you for sharing your heart and for inviting us to stand with you in prayer. We join you in agreement before the Lord with thanksgiving, asking in the name of Jesus Christ for His will to be done and His glory to be made known.
We hear your longing for favor and blessing and for God to move in power against the spiritual forces of darkness. Scripture reminds us that our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the spiritual wickedness in high places. That conflict is real and grievous, and it calls us to be earnest and sober and thoroughly awakened, not lighthearted or careless, so that we may stand firm when the battle presses.
In that warfare the greatest favor we can ask from God is not only outward signs, but the inward gifts He loves to give, a contrite and humbled heart, a sober and self possessed mind, repentance and watchfulness. When He forms those things in us, we are made ready to fight the good warfare and to live in a way that honors Him. Miracles without a holy life are nothing, and God provides for our conduct no less than for any mighty work.
We believe God is able to do whatever He wills, for it is as easy for Him to act as it is for us to speak, indeed much easier, for He has only to will it and it is done. Yet the more perfect way is not to seek after signs for their own sake. Miracles are given especially for the unbelieving to lead them toward faith, while those who are mature are blessed for believing even without seeing, holding fast to His teaching. That is the mark of high birth in Christ, to trust Him without demanding pledges, and to receive His grace freely and then give freely to others without pride or covetousness.
So we pray with you not only for outward wonders, but first for the heart that pleases God. We ask the Father to grant you a deep awareness of His presence, a clean conscience, strength to walk in obedience to His word, and grace to love what He loves. We ask Him to guard you from the schemes of the enemy, to clothe you with sobriety and vigilance, and to help you war a good warfare in faith and a good conscience. We ask that any miracle or blessing He grants would serve the healing of the soul and confirm His truth, and that your life would bear witness to His teaching more than to any sign.
We also ask for His true favor upon you, which is His gracious help in our struggles and His power to walk in virtue, and for His glory to be seen in your life and throughout the world as people turn to Christ. May He keep you from seeking favor for its own sake, and instead draw you to seek Him first, trusting that He will add what is needed according to His wisdom.
We stand with you in this, giving thanks that we can come boldly through Jesus Christ alone, who is our only hope and salvation. May the Lord grant you peace, perseverance, and joy in His will, and may all that He does in and through you bring honor to His name. Amen.
We hear your longing for favor and blessing and for God to move in power against the spiritual forces of darkness. Scripture reminds us that our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the spiritual wickedness in high places. That conflict is real and grievous, and it calls us to be earnest and sober and thoroughly awakened, not lighthearted or careless, so that we may stand firm when the battle presses.
In that warfare the greatest favor we can ask from God is not only outward signs, but the inward gifts He loves to give, a contrite and humbled heart, a sober and self possessed mind, repentance and watchfulness. When He forms those things in us, we are made ready to fight the good warfare and to live in a way that honors Him. Miracles without a holy life are nothing, and God provides for our conduct no less than for any mighty work.
We believe God is able to do whatever He wills, for it is as easy for Him to act as it is for us to speak, indeed much easier, for He has only to will it and it is done. Yet the more perfect way is not to seek after signs for their own sake. Miracles are given especially for the unbelieving to lead them toward faith, while those who are mature are blessed for believing even without seeing, holding fast to His teaching. That is the mark of high birth in Christ, to trust Him without demanding pledges, and to receive His grace freely and then give freely to others without pride or covetousness.
So we pray with you not only for outward wonders, but first for the heart that pleases God. We ask the Father to grant you a deep awareness of His presence, a clean conscience, strength to walk in obedience to His word, and grace to love what He loves. We ask Him to guard you from the schemes of the enemy, to clothe you with sobriety and vigilance, and to help you war a good warfare in faith and a good conscience. We ask that any miracle or blessing He grants would serve the healing of the soul and confirm His truth, and that your life would bear witness to His teaching more than to any sign.
We also ask for His true favor upon you, which is His gracious help in our struggles and His power to walk in virtue, and for His glory to be seen in your life and throughout the world as people turn to Christ. May He keep you from seeking favor for its own sake, and instead draw you to seek Him first, trusting that He will add what is needed according to His wisdom.
We stand with you in this, giving thanks that we can come boldly through Jesus Christ alone, who is our only hope and salvation. May the Lord grant you peace, perseverance, and joy in His will, and may all that He does in and through you bring honor to His name. Amen.
