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Focus

Prayer and Fasting for the USA: 30 April–4 May 2023

Intention

Before anything else, to be laid down lovers of Jesus.

Scripture

“The Lord confides in those who fear Him; He makes His covenant known to them.”

– Psalm 25:14

Reflection

It is difficult to hear the “still, small voice” of the Lord unless we draw near, so very near to His heart. In seasons of an intense schedule, it can be increasingly difficult to quiet ourselves and lean into the Father’s heart. However, just as the branch MUST abide in the vine, so we MUST abide in Him, in order for our lives, our prayers and subsequently our nation to align with the Father’s will. In order to be fruitful, we must abide in the vine. (John 15:4)

In order to hear the Lord’s revelation secrets, we must become intimate with Him. Only a trusted friend can receive secrets. In the Bible’s most famous love song, the Beloved implores us to “Come away with Him”, until we can say along with Song of Solomon 6:3a that “I am my Beloved’s and He is mine…”.

Transformation always happens in the inmost place first. It is in the cocoon that the caterpillar becomes a butterfly. It was in the upper room that the apostles received power to be witnesses for Jesus. In order to make the goodness of God and His new covenant known to our brothers and sisters, we must continually sit in the place of worship and draw near to His heart. How can I minister to others unless it is out of the overflow I have received from the Vine? Truly it is always, “of your own, we give you.”

Note that it was John the beloved who leaned on His chest, who was the first to immediately recognise Jesus after the resurrection. Mary Magdalene thought He was the gardener. Cleopas and his companion thought He was a stranger. To others, He was unrecognised. But John knew Him even from afar off in the boat. May we be ones who recognise Jesus in our midst!

Will we be lovers of Jesus first? Before we are His servants, His ambassadors or even His kings and priests? Exodus 21:1–6 reveals that in the seventh year, the servant could choose, for love, to become a slave of life. At this point, he would stand at the doorway and give his right ear to be pierced as a symbol of life-long love and commitment to his master.

Will you give your ear to Jesus, leaning upon Him, the door to life, and allow Him to pierce you through with His Word and Spirit? Will you become a love-slave of the Lord Jesus Christ today? Will you take time to sit at His feet, quiet your soul and wait upon Him?

You can minister to the Lord in a unique way that no one else on earth can today. Perhaps it is to stay awake with Him through the night like Peter, James and John were called to. Perhaps it is to break open your precious vessel and pour it upon His feet. Perhaps it is a neighbour or an old friend that the Lord would have you reach out to today and boldly share the gospel with – that Jesus died for their sins, rose again victorious from the dead and is alive today to forgive them, wash them and adopt them into His family. Oh, how great is the Father’s love for us!!!

Video

Prayer

Precious Lord,

May we, like those bondslaves of old, give our ears – and lives – to You our Beloved daily. May we have our ear to the throne, ever ready to hear Your bidding and carry it out.

Holy is the Lord and forever worthy of our praise! In the precious name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

Author Bio

Charlotte has been singing, playing and creating music for as long as she can remember. Her musical education began at four with Suzuki violin. Upon arriving in Australia, she stepped into the world of jazz, gigging with many of the country’s finest musicians. Her studies have led to a Graduate Certificate in vocal pedagogy from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Her music ministry can be found here.

Prayer Points and Purpose for GO 2023 in May

1. To worship Jesus and give extravagant praise to God. Heb 12:28–29
2. Pray that the Lamb who was slain might receive the reward for His suffering. Rev 5:6–14
3. Pray for revival for Australia and for millions to find Christ. Isa 64:1–2
4. Pray for revival for Israel and millions to find Christ. Rom 10:1
5. Pray for five friends to find Christ and share the gospel with those five in May. Matt 28:18–20

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