FIRST OF MONTH PRAYER, MAY 2023

Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, we are thankful for the just concluded month, of April, and we look to you the “author and finisher of our faith” ( Hebrews 12:12)! We are much humbled; for “your great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” ( Lamentations 3:22-23). In this fresh new month of May, help us Lord to gain a deeper understanding of you, of your deep love and amazing care, even when we are so underserving! For you have said, “do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” ( Isaiah 41:10). In this sojourn among us are needs- physical and emotional - but we look to you with faith- for “You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing” ( Psalm 145:16). For those who are heart broken and have suffered loss, we know “those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” ( Isaiah 40:31). As you parted the water for the Israelists while esaping from the bondage of Egypt, we look up to you to remove whatever roadbloc stands in our way, for you have said, “For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands” ( Isaiah 55:12). We pray for the people of Sudan, Congo, Somalia and so many other hot war spots of conflict, near and far, where untold suffering is caused just for greed that the peace of the Lord will prevail, as you say, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled..( John 14:27). In the midst of all this violence and endless shedding of innoncent blood, raise up peace makers, for “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” ( Mathew 5:9). And may all our labours not be in vain, holding on to your promise, as you say the “LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none” ( Deutronomy 28:12). Give us good health, as you say, “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well” ( 3 John 1-2). And whatever challenges that may come our way we claim victory, “For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock” ( Psalm 27:5). All this we pray in the beloved name of our Lord Jesus Christ!