Below is an article found and shared by our Prayer Team. It correlates well to Kevin Denton’s sermon from July 14, 2024.
At the appointed time of 30 years old, Jesus revealed Himself and His ministry. He healed. He forgave. He understood people’s hearts. He knew their thoughts. He responded to faith. He was the Son of Man. He was God. Yet, this list merely scratches the surface of His identity. In Matthew 9:2, 4-6 Jesus says, “Have courage, son! Your sins are forgiven.” ... “Why do you respond with evil in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” ... “Stand up, take your stretcher, and go home.”
Jesus heals and forgives. We can seek Him as our safe place. No matter what we’ve done, we can approach Him with sincerity of heart and receive forgiveness and reconciliation. And yet, Healer and Forgiver are only two aspects of who He is. He is so much more.
Lord, I desire to know You fully. Show me how to know, pursue, and draw closer to You. Forgive me for not taking our relationship seriously. I repent. Take me to the next level of understanding about who You are and how You operate.
You have incredible authority, including healing and forgiving sins. Reveal the fullness of Your authority and the authority You granted to me. I declare that godly fear will overtake me so I can be wise. I desire godly love to fill me so I may be like You. I desire Godly zeal to characterize me, so I take nothing for granted, and I dedicate my time on earth to Your will.
I’m thankful that You desire to lead me, Lord, on Your righteous path so all my days glorify You. I’m thankful You will answer my plea to fully know and experience You.
I praise You that I’m fully known to You. You know every thought, every impulse, and You still love me.
--Adapted from Praying What Jesus Says by Natasha Miller. This book is available at prayershop.org.
Prayer Points
Praise God for his marvelous goodness.
Thank the Lord for being a refuge in times of trouble (Nah. 1:7).
Confess your own failure to show goodness toward others.
Commit yourself to bearing the fruit of goodness through the power of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22).
Ask God to enable you today to “taste and see that the LORD is good” (Ps. 34:8).
Pray that good will win out over evil in every area of our society.
Ask that righteousness and justice will permeate the fabric of our culture so that God will be glorified and praised.
Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayershop.org.