Silence for 2-5 minutes:
If your mind wanders, silently pray a simple prayer again and again, such as, "I surrender to your love" or "Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me" until the Holy Spirit gives you a sense of peace and focus.
Scripture:
Psalm 60:1-5
1 O God, you have rejected us, broken our defenses; you have been angry; oh, restore us. 2 You have made the land to quake; you have torn it open; repair its breaches, for it totters. 3 You have made your people see hard things; you have given us wine to drink that made us stagger.
4 You have set up a banner for those who fear you, that they may flee to it from the bow.[b] Selah 5 That your beloved ones may be delivered, give salvation by your right hand and answer us!
Reading:
Psalm 60 is written after Israel had suffered a military defeat. David attributes the loss and subsequent difficult times with God's rejection of His people. The land has become vulnerable to all its enemies. It is as if an earthquake has literally torn the country apart. The people experience such hardship that they are staggering around as if they are drunk. Where is hope and change to be found?
There is an answer to this dilemma that Israel faces. It is prayer. Prayer is the banner unfurled that causes God's people to have victory over their enemies. Prayer is the place of safety where we find that we are beloved of God. Prayer is the place where deliverance is experienced, and we know the power of God as He answers us with the strength of His right hand.
Given all that 2020 has brought to us, can we all agree that the fundamental step that the believer must take in this time of crisis is to pray? We can give ourselves to many other pursuits, but the most important thing we can do is seek the face of God. God promises refuge and deliverance to all who will pray. The healing of the land begins in prayer.
This quote seems pertinent to our situation:
"There are parts of our calling, works of the Holy Spirit, and defeats of the darkness that will come no other way than through furious, fervent, faith-filled, unceasing prayer." - Beth Moore
Actions:
Give yourself to intercessory prayer today. As you do, know that God promises courage, protection, and deliverance for you and healing for our land.
Prayer:
O Lord, our land is filled with disease, sorrow, confusion, and unrest. Help me to realize that the most important thing I can do today is to pray. You, then, will act in your strength to bring healing to me as well as to our country and world. You will empower your people to be light in the darkness. Amen.