Praying for Healing and Restoration In Our Lives and In Our Nation
II Chronicles 7:1-3, 11-16
1Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the house. 2And the priests could not enter into the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord's house. 3And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the Lord upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.
11Thus Solomon finished the house of the Lord, and the king's house: and all that came into Solomon's heart to make in the house of the Lord, and in his own house, he prosperously effected. 12And the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. 13If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; 14If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 15Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. 16For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.
- Admit I'm not in control
- Humility
- Be quiet and patient and don't retaliate
- When you look for ways to serve others instead of expecting to be serve (I Chronicles 29:10-13)
4 things God will do if you work on this: Humility
2. Ask God for help
- John 16:23-24
- Jesus wants me to ask
3. Seek God, not a miracle
- Psalm 14:2:
The Lord looks down from heaven
on all mankind
to see if there are any who understand,
any who seek God.
... seek my face
4. Turn my attention from the world to the word
- Wickedness - (screen) forgetting God
- Turn - Greek "meta-noia" to change your mind - not just turn away from sin but turn to God
James 5:16:
16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
I will hear from heaven.
I will forgive your sins.
I will heal your land.
TODAY'S PREACHER
Randy Reese is Co-Directing Pastor of Calvary UMC