ASKING GOD TO DO THE WORK ONLY HE CAN DO
“I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer” - Martin Luther
On Sunday, Zechariah 4:1-7 reminded us that in order to see revival we must depend on the Spirit. One of the primary ways we demonstrate our dependence upon the Spirit is through prayer. As we think about all the work there is to do - in our church, in our households, at our jobs, and in every arena of our lives - here's the challenge: Before you do, pray.
Believe that it’s not by might, nor by power, but only by God’s Spirit that you can do anything at all. Then seek God’s help through prayer. Here are 3 ways to pray for the work that only God can do.
1) Praying Daily for revival in your own soul. Casting your cares, your plans, and your very self before the Lord before you carry on with your day. Re-orienting your wandering heart to grace. Re-centering your life upon the solid rock of Christ. Getting back to the foundation of who you are, what is true, and what you need most. Praying the words of Psalm 85:6-7 “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation.”
Praying the Lord’s Prayer as the cry of your heart. Making Matthew 6:9-13 your own like this: “God, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth and in my very own life, as it is in heaven. Give me, by your gracious hand, my daily bread and provide for the needs you know I have - even before I ask. Forgive me for my sins in my actions, affections, and attitudes which dishonor you, selfishly elevate me, and do not build up your Church. Forgive me for my sins, and Lord, give me the grace to forgive others, even as you have forgiven me in Christ. And lead me, Lord, not into temptation but deliver me from the evil one. For I know my weakness, I know where I struggle, I know what I’m prone to, but cause me to stand in the victory of Christ, to take up the shield of faith, and to be strengthened to say every hard “no” to sin that leads to a much better “yes” to Christ.”
Asking the Lord to fill you freshly with his Spirit. The practice, which theologian John Owen says, “Is the daily work of believers.” That, “They look upon, and by faith consider, the Holy Spirit as the one promised and as the one sent. In this promise, they know, lies all their grace, peace, mercy, joy, and hope. For by him, as the one promised, and by him alone are these things communicated to believers. If, therefore, our living to the glory of God or the joy of such a life is important to us, then we are to ask for him from the Father as children ask their parents for their daily bread.” Don’t go hungry into your day. Seek the strength and power God provides.
2) Praying Weekly with the pastoral team. The pastoral team is setting aside time every Wednesday morning at 9:15am to pray for revival. We invite you to join us then, or set aside any time during your week, to seek the Lord’s reviving work.
Asking God:
To grant us a greater seriousness toward spiritual things and impress upon us that we are his people, called to be holy, a true household of the living God, representatives of Christ to a watching world.
To continue reforming and reshaping us according to his word.
To continue knitting us more and more tightly together in unity and love.
To draw us even more deeply into the joy of Jesus.
To cause that joy to overflow and outlet itself into particular aspects of life in our city. Moving toward the needs of our neighbors that have come seeking help. The griefs the city bears. The relationships we have with other pastors, churches, and organizations. The ways in which we can be a blessing to our city leaders and elected officials. And all the missional initiatives that are on the radar for Cross of Grace.
Each week, we’re asking God to work in us for the good of our church and work through us for the good of our city. Set aside the time and come together in spirit in the midst of your day. But also, make it a point to come together face to face for our newly launched prayer meeting.
3) Praying Monthly with the church. On the first Saturday of the month, members of Cross of Grace are gathering together, pursuing the ordinary means of grace, and expecting God to move in extraordinary ways. During these sweet, unhurried moments, we’re taking the needs of the church before the Lord and experiencing powerful times of ministry toward one another. We’re asking God to pour out his blessings and saving grace upon our neighbors. We’re seeking after revival. And more than anything else, we’re desiring that God would glorify himself in greater and greater ways in our city. Praying, “Lord, your Kingdom come, your will be done, in Santa Ana, as it is in heaven.” Longing for God to work in and through us in a way that the fruit, the joy, and the results could only come from him.
We want a work that only God can do. Join us in asking him to do just that.
MORE INFO ON THE MONTHLY PRAYER MEETING HERE
