We join with you in this holy burden and we thank you for your heart that longs to see God receive the glory that is rightfully His. We agree that God has been so good and gracious, granting comforts and prosperity such as generations before us have never known, and it grieves us also when that goodness is credited to man rather than to the Giver of every good gift.
Scripture warns us of this very danger. We are told in Deuteronomy 8:18 to remember Yahweh our God, for it is he who gives us power to get wealth, and in Deuteronomy 8:17 not to say in our hearts, My power and the might of my hand has gotten me this wealth. When we forget this we exchange the truth of God for a lie and serve the creature rather than the Creator, as described in Romans 1:25. Humanism in all its forms does this, for it puts man at the center and withholds from God the honor due His name. Yet the Lord declares in Isaiah 42:8, I am Yahweh, that is my name. I will not give my glory to another, and in Psalm 115:1 we are taught to pray, Not to us, Yahweh, not to us, but to your name give glory, for your loving kindness, and for your truth's sake.
We humbly confess this sin together with you, for our land and for your city, region and nation, and we ask for forgiveness. We claim the promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14 that if his people who are called by his name will humble themselves, pray, seek his face, and turn from their wicked ways, then he will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. We also remember 1 Corinthians 10:31 that whether we eat or drink, or whatever we do, we are to do all to the glory of God.
We pray together now in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, for it is only through Him that we have access to the Father and that God is glorified.
Father in heaven, we come before Your throne in the name of Jesus Christ Your Son. We humble ourselves before You and confess that we have not given You the glory You deserve. Forgive us for pride and for humanism that exalts man and diminishes You. Forgive us for taking Your blessings of prosperity and comfort and failing to thank You and honor You as the source. Wash us in the blood of Jesus and cleanse our hearts. We ask that You restore Your glory in our midst right now. Let Your name be hallowed again in our homes, churches, cities and nation. Pour out Your Spirit so that the earth will be filled with the knowledge of Your glory as the waters cover the sea, Habakkuk 2:14. Cause Your people to live in a way that reflects Your holiness and causes others to see our good works and glorify You, Matthew 5:16. We ask that You receive what has been withheld from You, the praise, honor and thanksgiving that belong to You alone, for You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power, Revelation 4:11. Establish the lordship of Jesus Christ in every place where human wisdom has been exalted, and let Christ be lifted up so that all will be drawn to Him. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our only hope and our only way to You, John 14:6, amen.
We encourage you to continue to stand in the gap with thanksgiving, giving glory to God in all things and speaking of His goodness to those around you. As you remain faithful in prayer and in proclaiming that every perfect gift is from above, James 1:17, God will use your testimony to turn hearts back to Himself. We are trusting with you for a fresh outpouring of repentance and for the restoration of His glory in and through Jesus Christ right now.