A Year of Prayer: Season One Weekday DevotionalsSample

'To whom can I speak and give warning? Who will listen to me? Their ears are closed so they cannot hear. The word of the Lord is offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it.' (Jeremiah 6:10 NIV)

God speaks, and no one listens. God acts, and no one acknowledges it. God is waiting, and no one moves.

It’s tough to read through the book of Jeremiah and see the disobedience of the people of God laid out in black and white. They lie, cheat, and steal.

They lie about God, they cheat God, and they steal from God. All while claiming to be holy and close to God!

We must be careful as we endeavour to be Jesus-centred, spirit-led, and find hope revealed that we don’t become self-satisfied, self-justified, and self-deceived.

The apostle Paul speaks of those who ‘'have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people. I urge you, brothers and sisters, to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labours at it.' (1 Corinthians 16:15-16 NIV)

We will listen for and see God when we submit to one another as servants and friends. When we can accurately hear and know God’s word, we can deliver this truth in love and find healing. No longer will our wounds or sickness be hidden in fearful secret - we can confidently approach God for healing and lift one another up for prayer with no shame.

Prayer: God, I thank thee for your present grace and the way your healing hand comes upon us. Dress our wounds and make us clean. Clear our ways, paths, and ears so we may approach you freely.

Action: Write down all the words you can think of associated with the word ‘wounds.’ Turn this into a prayer of lament (regret and sadness) for our people.