Began by reading in Ezekiel 9-13. Some questions there I don't really understand yet. I prayed against violence, a spirit of violence. I didn't feel like it was just about physical violence, but about taking things by force - which could even apply to business. God voices His displeasure in violence many times through scripture.
In Ezk. 9:8 the Lord boils down His people's rebellion to, "... they say 'The Lord has forsaken the land, and the Lord does not see.'" This statement speaks less of their abominable actions and more of what's in their heart that leads them astray. The loss of hope is a great part of their sin. It is a great part of our own.
God give us hope. True hope in You. Give us the grace to persevere.
May we stop performing (in our own soulish effort and flesh) and start obeying. May we start trusting in Your abilities, not our own, while recognizing You can do mighty things through us. May we stop thinking we can "take it from here" once You start something, stop thinking we can do it, or earn it, or conjure it, or force it. Is this part of the violence You despise? Good-intentioned men trying to bring the Kingdom by force? (Mt. 11:12)
The last part of the hour was spent praying for restoration.
What will You restore to men that makes us unique, beautiful in Your eyes? That makes us great - Your kind of greatness? That will make us whole?
Restore to us Humility and Strength. Restore to us Vision and Passion. Vision and Passion purified from self and selfish gain. Passion and Vision purified from fear. Purify our desires and release in us Godly passion. Prepare us for breakthrough. Heal us and break us from the lie of INDEPENDENCE! Deliver us from the pride that leads us to arrogant independence. Heal us from the heartbreak, disappointment and failure that lead us into fearful independence.
Break us of cynicism.
Deliver us from insecurity and jealously. Bring us to repentance for being threatened by the success of others, of those younger than us, of women, of those working alongside us in the Kingdom.
God, give us our identity!
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