Lord, Hear Our Cry

by | May 7, 2015 | Christin's Blog Posts

Today we join our hearts in praying for spiritual renewal and revival across our nation — and around the world. Some of us are participating in special church services, city-wide, neighborhood, or community celebrations, or family gatherings. Others are just taking a few moments on our own to humble ourselves before God and cry out to Him on behalf of our country and the people He loves who live in it… many of whom have wandered far from Him, or have yet to find their way to Him.

National Day of Prayer 2015

Instead of cursing the darkness — or endlessly complaining about the darkness (on Facebook or in the comments section of  blogs and websites) — or shouting at the darkness when it’s spouted by commentators on 24-hour news channels — instead of being discouraged and dispirited by the darkness, we’re renewing our commitment to let our light shine. To let the light of Jesus and the love of Jesus shine through us, in all that we say and do.

We’re recommitting ourselves to being faithful to His Word, faithful to do what He’s called us to do, faithful to fight whatever battles He sends us into, with all our might — not wasting any energy worrying about those that aren’t ours to fight.

After all, our hope is in Him — and He’s told us how the story ends.

Spoiler Alert: Things get worse, before they get better. But the fact that they’re getting worse means… we’re that much closer to the time when they really get better. Forever. And He promised that some pretty amazing things will happen on the battlefield, as we take up our positions and make our stand. There are prisoners still to be rescued, and victories yet to be won. It’d be pretty silly to drop our swords and walk off now. We’ll miss the best part!

Some of us are called to be a voice for the voiceless, to raise awareness, to speak out, to call others to action on the most controversial and pressing issues of the day — cultural or political. Some of us are called primarily to missions or evangelism or discipleship of the Church. Some of us are called to make a difference just by being there on a daily basis for our neighbors, our coworkers, our friends and family. We get to be the hands and feet of Jesus, loving others, serving others, ministering to them on a very practical level.

And some of us are simply called to get out of bed every morning with the determination to receive whatever comes our way with grace and a grateful heart. (It’s a lot harder than it sounds.)

Actually, I think maybe all of us are called to that last one.

Good thing we’ve set aside some time to pray, isn’t it?

Even greater to know that He hears us when we pray. (Psalm 1116:1)

[youtube id=”m4Nr4M7zvdo”]

This beautiful hymn is on my heart today… a favorite from the 1992 Integrity Praise & Worship album Rejoice Africa — a worship concert led by Lionel Peterson. This song  — “Instruments of Peace” — is sung by the Drakensburg Boys Choir of South Africa. I hope it’s a blessing to you!

For more on the National Day of Prayer:

The National Day of Prayer Official Website

No Capes: Time to Clean Out Your Closet ~ Learning From History and The Incredible’s Edna as We Prepare for the National Day of Prayer

It’s Time to Pray ~ Pray USA and National Day of Repentance 2015