From the Heart of a Syrian Pastor ~ please pray.

Peanut Gallery: Please pray for the people of Syria.

“The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.” Psalm 9:9-10 (NLT)

Click here for Open Door’s original post: FROM THE HEART OF A SYRIAN PASTOR.

Open Doors received a prayer from a pastor, one of our partners in the relief work in Syria. The prayer, which is both moving and heartbreaking, gives an insight into the suffering of those who have decided to stay in Syria.

“I weep for my country! I am so sad and speechless…

“They advise me to leave my country… to emigrate. I respond saying:

I’m staying… for the church of Jesus … that the message of Jesus may remain a light guiding those who are lost and afraid.
I’m staying… because the harvest is plentiful… and the suffering is huge… a deep wound, a sense of despair …
I’m staying … to follow in the footsteps of my Master who went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil.
I’m staying… because I’m busy… in the ministry of saving souls (or can someone like me run… Lord give me strength).
“O Lord, hear and answer my prayers.”

Please join in praying through these prayer points provided by Syrian Christians.

That the cup of war be taken away from our country, Syria.
That the Lord may crush the conspiracy of the evil ones and their war plans… and consider their threats.
That He may send the power of His Holy Spirit on His church, that it may reach out to the suffering souls who – harassed and helpless – are like sheep without a shepherd.
That the Lord may help us to speak with great boldness and that many wonders and signs be performed … and souls return to Christ, and there be singing and praises.
That the Lord may send more help – that the house of the Lord may have food to satisfy the needs of the internally displaced, hundreds of whom are without any shelter.
That the Lord may send more support for the wounded and the sick who are in need of surgery, medication, and healing.
That the Lord may send those who can help us build a center for children affected by the war and send those who can help the children who are now disabled, and have special needs.
That the Lord will enable us to take care of those who have lost their supporters, and help them to get back on their feet.

Father, as we join the world in reflecting on the plight of the people of Syria, ravaged by unrelenting civil war, we look on not as those who are without hope, but as those whose anchor of hope is in You, the King of kings and Lord of lords. And so we come before You on behalf of the people of Syria, especially Your church there, imploring You to take away this cup of war from them.

We call upon You to bring peace and justice in the midst of spiritual darkness, that all might know that You have done it. Protect Your church and grant them courage and opportunity to speak the truth with great boldness that a vast multitude might turn to Christ in worship and praise.

We pray that You will provide Your people with food and shelter, with medical care and healing. And we grieve over the children, wounded and traumatized by the very powers that should be protecting them. Raise up resources to provide a place of refuge, comfort, hope and healing for these children that their bodies might be sustained and their hearts kept from becoming hardened. Cause Your Spirit to breathe life into their parched souls.

In the name of Jesus, our refuge and sure defense in a world pillaged by the evil one. Amen.

Morning Prayer: Psalm 89:13-15; Isaiah 9:7; 1 Corinthians 14:8 ~ battle cry

Morning Prayer:

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentences
Seek the Lord while He may be found: with all your heart… with all your soul… with all your mind… with all your strength.

Declaration of faith

To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God. Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.

Morning readings

Psalm 89:13-15 ESV You have a mighty arm; strong is your hand, high your right hand. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you. Blessed are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face….

Isaiah 9:7 ESV Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

1 Corinthians 14:8 ESV And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle?

Prayer: Lord God – Who is like you? You are all-powerful! You are the Creator of the Universe! You are the beginning and the end of history! You hold the world in your strong, powerful, right hand! There is none like you! Lord Jesus – Reign and rule Your Kingdom here on earth as in heaven… and may Your Kingdom come and Your will be done. Holy Spirit – Attune our hearts and our spirits to here Your call. Give us a loud voice to shout the victory cry – “Our God reigns!” Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “Days of Elijah” – Robin Mark

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

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Peanut Gallery: The Morning Prayer readings are from the Daily Office of the Northumbrian Community as available online here… and in the book form, Celtic Daily Prayer available on Amazon.com.

The website and prayer book are rich in prayer resources and I commend them to you. For our purpose here, I will limit my selections to the Morning Prayer resources.