Monday, October 15, 2007

Need Reviving?

With my mom’s recent hospital stay and many other daily challenges, I am physically, spiritually, and emotionally exhausted. I know you, too, face many challenges each day. Each of our cups is full. That said, the Holy Spirit led me to pray Romans 12:9-21 over myself and you as my reader. I am asking God to especially renew, revive, and blow his life into our spiritual fervor.

Dear Jesus,

May our love remain sincere. We want to hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Help us to be devoted to one another in brotherly love. To honor one another above ourselves. That we would never be lacking in zeal, but keep our spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Always be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. May we continually share with God’s people who are in need and practice hospitality.

Help us to bless those who persecute us; bless and not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Crush our pride and help us to be willing to associate with people of low position, not being conceited.

You tell us not to repay anyone evil for evil and to be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on us, live at peace with everyone. We should never take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give
him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap
burning coals on his head.”

By your power may we not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
( from Romans 12:9-21)

O, Jesus, in the power of your word and in your precious name we ask all of these things. Amen.

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