Teach Us to PrayExemplo

LIVING IN GOD'S KINGDOM

Lord Jesus, we thank and praise you for teaching us how to live in your Father’s kingdom here on earth. We acknowledge that God is sovereign, the ruler of the earth, all-powerful, and in control. Please help us maintain a posture of humility. Fill our hearts with gratitude for giving us the greatest gift we could ever ask for: salvation through your death on the cross.

We seek to do your will, "to act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with you, God.” (Micah 6:8). Please bind the enemy that seeks to fill us with pride and self-righteousness. Teach us to pray.

On one of our trips to Haiti to work with our partner ministry there, a little girl from the children’s home had become stricken with cholera. We went to the hospital ward where all the cholera patients were being treated. I was shocked to see her condition... sunken cheeks, big eyes, and completely listless. My first thought was she was going to die. House mothers took turns staying with her 24/7 as an act of love that I couldn't imagine. They were at significant risk of contracting cholera in that unsanitary setting. After praying over this little girl, we went outside and formed a circle, and several of us prayed that God would heal her.

This was on a Thursday afternoon.

Sunday morning, we were at our Haitian partner’s church. The pastor’s daughter was making announcements when suddenly, a young girl dressed in white appeared at the side door of the altar. Everyone gasped, and many cried out, "Miracle, Miracle!" It was the little girl who, just three days earlier, laid on her deathbed. Oh, Lord, teach us to pray.

We humbly seek your kingdom here on earth, free from worry but full of trust and faith in you. To pray first rather than trust exclusively in the wisdom of man or our own abilities. “Seek first his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)

- Dean Ouilette