FIRST OF MONTH PRAYER, AUGUST 2022

Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, as we close July, we thank you for your mercies that keep us ever going.”The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 33: 23-23). Around us are storms: the continued war in Europe, the rising cost of living and the spectre of violence especially in neighboring conflict hot spots. To you, the prince of Peace, we look to you to carry us through for a time such as this. For you say, “Do not tremble; do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago? ..”! (Isaiah 44:8). We welcome August with anticipation trusting for a new and beautiful thing is going to happen. Just as you told your servant Abraham, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son” (Genesis 18:10); we know you are a God who never fails. We pray you watch over our families with your wings. We commiserate with all those who have lost loved ones that you may strengthen and give them comfort. We commit all our plans in your hands that you may see them through. Against the wiles of the enemy who comes to kill and destroy, we raise a shield to guard us against all manner of attacks. When Moses was in the throes of a terrible war you asked Aaron and Hur to raise his hands in prayer and through that cover the enemy was vanquished (Exodus 17:11-13). Hereto may whatever be oppressing us be obliterated as we look to you and plea for your protection. Smile upon us with the favour that welcomed Queen Esther in the courts of King Ahasuerus that what appears impossible may be brought to naught. Where there is fear may you lift us with hope. And if we had those dreams which we think time has elapsed and are buried deep may you resurrect them just as you visited Moses out in the bush at the right time (Exodus 3:1-17). In the face of whatever obstacles before us we pray for the spirit of Joshua and Caleb that refused to see giants because they knew they had a far more powerful and mighty conquering God (Numbers 14:6-9). So, we begin this new month with a quietness of certain assurance, knowing that the mountains shall be leveled, for as you say, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31)! All this we pray in Jesus’s name. Amen 🙏🏾