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The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind:
‘You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.’
~ Psalm 110

This is an extraordinary psalm. At first it seems somewhat mysterious and irrelevant to our lives, and yet that cannot be. It is the most Messianic psalm — and the one quoted most often in the New Testament.
Hebrews 6:20-7:28 presents Melchizedek as a king/priest before Aaron, and as Christ in the order of Melchizedek. Like Aaron, like Moses and David, like the Old Testament prophets, like John the Baptist, like the Apostles — Melchizedek points to Christ: the ultimate prophet, priest and king. We need a priest. We need a king. We need a prophet. And we have all of that in Christ. Let us never forget Whose we are, and Whom we pray to!

“O how unlike Christ we are!
His prayers were pleading prayers full of mighty arguments and fervent affections.
O that His people were more like Him.”
~ John Favel

Petition: Please join with us in praying for:

1. The World — There have been 194,087,699 cases (up 3,736,194 – similar to last week) and 4,158,226 deaths. France, Russia and the UK are countries which have seen an increase in cases but less deaths. Indonesia, Mexico, Iran and South Africa are seeing substantial increases with more deaths (because they have fewer vaccines). It is interesting that Sweden now has very few cases and zero daily deaths. Throughout the world, there have been increasing protests against lockdowns.

2. Australia — There have been 31,103 cases in total (up 1,814 compared with 654 the week before).

New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia are in lockdown, with NSW forecast to be so until at least the beginning of September. The key question is whether Australia will continue to pursue a zero-Covid policy. There have been 1,180,708 tests in the past seven days, with 0.1% being positive.
There are 180 people in hospital (+64), with 46 in ICU (+26). There are 2117 active cases (+840).
Almost 100,000 people took part in anti-lockdown protests throughout Australia over the weekend. There is a great deal of frustration. Pray for peace, unity and healing.

3. Vaccine and Cures –There have been 3.83 vaccines administered (+220 million) — 50 doses per every 100 people. Australia now has 11 million vaccinated (43 per 100 people).
Only 5 per 100 doses have been given in Vietnam. Nepal is 16 per 100.

4. Church — The shutting down of New South Wales has impact upon churches throughout Australia — especially for those who are planning conferences. It’s not just that the immediate events in July and August are being cancelled — but also, people are fearful of booking up in further months. This has an impact upon ministries and also upon livelihoods. Pray for the Lord’s provision.

5. Personal and Family — Remember the children in lockdown, who are unable to go to school and Sunday school, or to meet with their friends. Pray especially for those in poorer households with more limited facilities.

A Prayer of Repentance:

Lord God, You are the God who judges nations.
We know that we deserve that judgement.
Lord, deliver us from pride, hubris and hypocrisy.
We need a priest and king who will deliver us.
We bless You that You sent us Jesus.
In His Name we pray, Amen.

Song: In the UK, churches have been banned from singing together for over 16 months.
Last week the Keswick convention was able to have public singing — enjoy this moving and beautiful worship ~

A Prayer of Thanksgiving:

Lord Jesus, we thank You that You have put Your song in our hearts.
We have so much to praise You for.
You are the prophet whose words are eternal.
You are the priest whose sacrifice atones for all our sins.
You are the king Who rules over all.
Nothing, no-one can keep us from Your love.
Not life, not death, not angels nor demons, not sin nor Covid.
We bless Your holy name. Amen.

___

Weekly devotions by David Robertson via Christians United — COVID19 Call to Prayer.[Image: Abraham and Melchizedek/Wikimedia Commons]