A really good prayer for our nation! “Lord, you showed favor to your land; you restored our fortunes. You forgave your people’s guilt; you covered all their sin… Return to us, God of our salvation, and abandon your displeasure with us… Will you not revive us again so that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your faithful love, Lord, and give us your salvation.” (From Psalm 85:1–7 CSB)
Recalling a very special Bible study I had the privilege of leading yesterday! … The Lord’s appeal to each of us today (as well as during “Lord’s Supper/Communion” at Church)!…
Some scenes described in the Bible are incredibly graphic, stunning and powerful! My Bible reading included one today… It is found in Mark 15:33-39. It is a passage that deals with events in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and has rich significance for our access into God’s very presence through Jesus Christ in prayer!
Recall that no ordinary person was permitted to enter “the Holiest of All” in the temple where God’s divine presence and glory revealed itself. Only a high priest entered once a year and with blood sacrifice!
Now read, reflect on, and imagine the powerful drama of this scene and think about its profound significance for ordinary Christians…
“And when the sixth hour [noon] had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour [3 p.m.]. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?’ which means, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ … And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last! And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, ‘Truly this man was the Son of God!’” (From Mk 15:33–39 ESV).
My advice? Read and reflect on these verses and add to them Hebrews 10:19-23. Wow!! How powerful… The death of Jesus opened up the way for us to enter into the very presence of God in prayer… Consequently we can come “boldly” (not arrogantly) in prayer with faith that our prayers are heard and answered! (cp. Ephesians 3:11-12)
Coffee With The Lord 