It is my usual custom on this blog to address my speech to God Himself, but in such a way as to be read and joined by others. With that in mind, please pray with me.
Heavenly Father, who is the Sovereign Lord over men and women, over children and adults, over all the varied members of humanity, whatever their nations and tribes, over all those who equally and alike bear the imprint of your holy image which demands our respect and love,
It is to you we pray and lift up our desires, in patient and humble expectation of your powerful and gracious reply–should they accord with your own secret will.
We plead for your mercy to be upon the people of Haiti. We ask that provision would be made for their bodies through medicine, shelter and relief from oppression. Likewise, we ask for provision for their souls, that the gospel of Jesus Christ would extend freely to them–the good news of the Lord Jesus whose blood was shed for the forgiveness of all who hear of and embrace him. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, you, our God (James 1:17). We confess that all good is a gift from you: the temporal goods of health and home and peace, and the eternal and highest good of the life and reconciliation purchased by Jesus our Savior. You give this gift to any and all who call on his name in sincerity.
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent?
(Romans 10:14-15)
Such is your power that you have but to speak, yourself, and they will be made well in body and in soul. Yet, we know that more often you are pleased to work through lesser and ordinary means, even through us, your people. Therefore, we ask that your mercy would be sent with those your church is sending to Haiti. Help those from my own church, Cross Park, to be a help to those afflicted in Haiti. Make us into ambassadors of your lordship, instruments of your peace, agents of your grace. Help us minister faithfully and lovingly. And, turn us all the kinder, all the quicker to service, for it.
Let those of my family and friends who wish to give Christmas gifts to me in celebration of the incarnate life of Jesus, prayerfully do so by supporting this mission in which I participate. Let the needy receive the mercy of Jesus and his church. And, let all marvel that God sends and saves!
Amen.
Please respond in prayer and in giving. Thank you!
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