LEAN INTO LENT DAY 21 Picture: Desmond Almarales by permission
(Isaiah 43:1-2) God gave Jacob and Israel this promise. We can claim it too: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”
When God gives a promise of blessing, it is overwhelmingly generous. He calls His people and nations to Himself, He uses His power for good for His chosen ones. His grace and mercy know no bounds. There is no statute of limitations…it is forever that He cares for the needs of His people. He establishes nations. He provided kings for Israel when they requested kings. Some served Him well, others did not follow the Lord and set up other idols, rejecting God’s leadership. Are we any less prone to wandering?
PRAYER: I come to You, Almighty and Everlasting Father, knowing that You cause me as well to be part of Your universal blessing because I have become one of Your children. I could just as easily been one who rejected Your guidance. Help me not to boast, but to I thank You for signs that You care for me and mine. May I always recognize Your leadership in my life and pray that others join me in worship of Your majesty. May I live a life of thanksliving. Amen.
From my book Restore My Soul Psalms: a Lenten Journey
MY PSALM 343 LEGACY
Everlasting Father, Eternal and Omnipotent,
Hear our prayer for our children.
You promised to be our God
If we would be Your covenant people.
You told us to write Your words on the doorposts
Of our homes, and on our hearts.
You taught us to speak of them to our children,
When we rose up, when we went upon our way,
When we made our beds in various places,
Your truth on our tongues and in our lives.
Father, we ask forgiveness
For the times busyness has taken over our lives.
We have turned from Your ways
And followed our guidance rather than Yours.
We have mixed up our priorities
And trusted in our wisdom,
Seeking Yours when things go awry
Or we see our shortcomings.
This day we pray for our children,
The legacy You have provided through Your mercy,
The next generation who will take up Your cause
And live for Your kingdom’s sake
On earth as it is in heaven.
Find us faithful in petition for their souls,
For You gave our children to us
For such a short time
But for eternity for You.
In the twinkling of an eye
They too have become parents,
Teaching their little ones to love You,
To feast on Your Word,
To dwell in the walls of our tabernacles
And be surrounded by Your clouds of witnesses
As we have been.
Help us to be constant in prayer for their tasks
To buttress their efforts,
To walk humbly before You
In the wisdom of years,
Knowing the awesome task set before them.
Use us in preparing the generations
To march on to victory,
Ever proclaiming the Lordship of Jesus Christ
To an ever-changing world.
Teach us so we can teach them
To rely only upon Your grace
To speak of You often
Instilling Your precepts
And marking the narrow road
Which leads to Your throne,
For You are the answer to life’s questions
And the eternal Truth which provides
The peace that passes all understanding.
You have told us our grandchildren
Are the crowns of our grey hairs,
And we dedicate them to Your care
In the Name of Jesus. Amen.
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