In His original blessing for creation God purposely created man in His image to fill the earth and to share in His rule, as His servant, over the creatures of the earth. After the fall of man a new blessing was given to God's servant Abraham, through whom the original blessing would eventually be restored and fulfilled. As Abraham's spiritual descendants Gentile believers have been qualified to share in that original promise and blessing (reference Galatians 3:7-9). Because of our privileged position as adopted sons and daughters (reference Romans 8:15,23; Ephesians 1:5) of the Holy One of Israel, we must remain faithful in prayer for Israel until the Lord's promises and purposes are fulfilled for His chosen people.
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
'May those who love you be secure.
May there be peace within your walls
and security within your citadels.'"
(Psalm 122:6, 7)
As we meditate on Psalm 51:18-19 today, David understands, that as king, his sin has done more than just hurt him and the people closest to him, it has caused the entire nation to become weak and vulnerable. His prayer, no longer self-centered, is directed to the well-being of the people he had been given the responsibility to shepherd and rule over. Let us be in prayer for our leaders, our shepherds, and believers everywhere to live holy and righteous lives, giving the people a reason to rejoice (reference Proverbs 29:2)!
"I will make you into a great nation
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you."
(Genesis 12:2-3)
Dear Heavenly Father, we praise You for Your perfect plan to bring salvation to the whole earth through Your chosen nation, Israel. We are deeply humbled to be included in Your magnificent plan of salvation - 'that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus'. How blessed we are, and, now, how much more fervently we pray knowing that 'Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in'. Father, how seriously we must take our commission to 'go and make disciples of all nations' - for every day we fail to share Your gospel message we become obstacles in your great plan. Lord, You are a God who keeps his promises and You will fulfill all that You have said. We praise You for Your word and long for the day when You will return to Zion and make Your dwelling in Jerusalem - for 'then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth and the mountain of the LORD Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain.' Until then, may we give You 'no rest till You establish Jerusalem and make her the praise of the earth.' We sing praise to the LORD, enthroned in Zion we will proclaim among the nations what He has done. All glory and honor and praise belongs to You. We praise the wondrous name of Jesus by which every knee will bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth. Amen.
Steadfast in prayer,
Traci Alexander
Trumpet and Torch Ministries
Psalm 27
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Prayer Scripture References: Psalm 9:11; Isaiah 62:7; Zechariah 8:3; Romans 11:25; Ephesians 3:6; Philippians 2:10.
