Sep. 28, 2014

We take up our weapon in this war: we pray.

God of the Heavenly Armies,
We stand in front of our enemy, and it seems too big. We get surrounded, and there seems to be no hope.
Until we look up. Up past any star wars that man wages. Up to the highest heavens. Up to You.
What an awesome thing it would be to hear Your army rushing past in the top of the trees. Or to look out past the enemy's camp and see Your army rushing in on the clouds. What an awesome thing it is to spend the night afraid for our lives, only to walk out in the morning and find the enemy dead. Scattered. Gone.
Lord, open our eyes to see.

To see You: the ever-powerful One. You never get tired. You never get out-witted. You have no vulnerabilities. You don't trip. You don't make a mistake. You don't make wrong decisions. You don't arrive too late, without the weapons.

And You are the giver of all strength. All wisdom. All mercy.

For our generals who are standing in front of maps that are growing increasingly black and spotted with red, we pray. Lord give them wisdom. Morality. Fortitude.

For the private, dodging bullets far from home. Lord give him/her skill in their duties. Please be the shield around them.

And for all our soldiers in the middle, Lord we pray. May their trials bring them closer to You. May they be in the right. May You be their might. Help them to protect Your children. Courage, Lord. They need Your courage.

And Lord guard their hearts. Only You can help them deal with the things they have to do. Only You can heal this broken world. Please protect them from the spirit of depression and suicide.

"Hear me, Lord, my plea is just;
listen to my cry.
Hear my prayer-- it does not rise from deceitful lips.
Let my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right...

My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not stumbled.
I call on You, my God, for You will answer me;
turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.
Show me the wonders of your great love, You who save by your right hand
those who take refuge in You from their foes.
Keep me as the apple of your eye, hide me in the shadow of your wings from the wicked who are out to destroy me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.

They close up their callous hearts, and their mouth speak with arrogance. They have tracked me down, they now surround me, with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground. They are like a lion hungry for prey, like a fierce lion crouching in cover.

Rise up, Lord, confront them, bring them down; with your sword rescue me from the wicked. By your hand save me from such people, Lord, from those of this world whose reward is in this life....

As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness." --from Psalm 17

Lord our soldiers need You more than ever. Our nation needs You. Your church needs Your protection.

Thank You for all the safe travel of thousands of troops, and we pray for continued as more come home this week.

Please show our leaders the way to go.

Our only hope is in You. Thank You that You hear our prayers. Thank You that the battle is won. We wait for You.
Amen!