Supplication

SUPPLICATION

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GENERAL SICKNESS

[The majority of our prayers concern physical health. We all know someone who is dealing with the pain of sickness. Here is an opportunity to pray for them. Fill their name in the blanks.]

DISCIPLINE NOT PUNISHMENT

“Punishment for sin will take place in the next world. God’s dealings with people in this world are of the nature of discipline….Trouble is no evidence whatever of the Diving displeasure” E. M. Bounds (ref#64, p50).

FATHER, whom in heaven does ____ have but You? (His/her) flesh and heart may be failing but You are the strength of (his/her) heart and (his/her) portion forever (Ps 73:25-26). Let nothing terrify (him/her); keep (him/her), please, from giving way to hysterical fears or letting anxieties unnerve (him/her) (1 Pet 3:6).

You warrant us to take our troubles to You in prayer, so assist ____ in doing that. Favor (him/her) so that she can calmly pray over (his/her) troubles and seek “to get the greatest spiritual benefits out of them” E.M. Bounds (ref#64, p58). By sickness and suffering, by silence and solitude You are giving ____ other than normal work to perform which shall not the less secure (his/her) usefulness and promote Your glory (ref#61, Aug 16th).

FATHER, how manifold are the ways ____ needs You. And in manifold ways You can be found (ref#27, p16).

SUPPLICATION

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GENERAL TRIBULATION

[We all can think of a Christian sister or brother experiencing so much affliction they may not be able to pray for themselves. Here’s an opportunity to pray for them. Fill their name in the blanks.]

SUFFERING COMES WITHIN AS WELL AS WITHOUT

“Yes, this anguish was good for me, for you have rescued me from death and forgiven all my sins” (Isa 38:17 NLT).

FATHER, suffering comes in two forms: within—“the apparent desertion of the Bridegroom which is the most agonizing of the soul’s sufferings, and without, the persecuting malice of men and devils” Madame Guyon (ref#128, p442).

____ knows, O LORD, that Your rules are righteous (Ps 119:75) and (he/she) is not. Can You treat (him/her) more cruelly than (he/she) deserves? Never, (he/she) is never smitten as harshly as (his/her) sins deserve (ref#34, April 30, AM).

You, FATHER, have afflicted ____ in faithfulness. (Ps 119:75). But, LORD, see to (his/her) suffering within for it is most debilitating.

In ____’s despondency remove (his/her) anxious thoughts and forebodings, grant (him/her) a glad heart that has a continual feast regardless of circumstances (Prov 15:15). Make (him/her) delight in Your law so (he/she) will not perish in this affliction (Ps 119:92). You who make ____ see many troubles and calamities will revive (him/her) again (Ps 71:20).

Now that (he/she) lives among bitterness and crosses and is prostrate under a load of trouble and affliction, instill within (him/her) that (he/she) comes closest to being “all fair” in the Bridegroom’s eyes. In suffering (he/she) is “all fair” and there is no spot or deformity in (him/her) (ref#128, p 439-440, [Song 4:7])

Suffering scours out ____’s harsh, unyielding, bounded and limited nature that stands in the way of (his/her) happiness. This present suffering is not (his/her) fault nor is it offensive in Your sight; “it is simply a natural defect, derived from Adam, which (his/her) Bridegroom will insensibly take away” (ref#128, p440, [Song 4:7]). This circumstance may destroy (his/her) beauty in the eyes of people around (him/her), but (his/her) Bridegroom is most pleased for ____ has no longer any comeliness of (his/her) own. In CHRIST’s eyes through this suffering (he/she) has become possessed of true beauty (ref#128, p440, [Song 4:7]). In His time, CHRIST will “reanimate this annihilated soul” Madame Guyon (ref#128, p446, [Song 4:16]) and ____ will become His perfect bride.

SUPPLICATION

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NON CHRISTIAN Backsliders

[We all have friends and family that do not want anything to do with Christianity so it is up to us to pray for their salvation. Here’s an opportunity to pray for them. Fill their name in the blanks.]

BACKSLIDERS NEED TO BE HUMBLE

FATHER, I thank You for Your Word, that encourages me. It gives me more confidence when I pray for the salvation of ____.

Second Chronicles 12 tells about King Rehoboam who ruled Judea. When he was strong he abandoned Your law along with all Israel (2 Chron 12:1). Because of their unfaithfulness, an army so huge they could not be numbered came up from the south against them (2 Chron 12:2,3).

“Then the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves…” (2 Chron 12:6 ESV). FATHER, when You saw that they humbled themselves, You did not destroy them (2 Chron 12:7). It is true that You only pour out Your wrath on ones who will not humble themselves—on the ones who will not repent (Rev 9:20-21).

I pray that You give to ____ situation after situation with opportunities to humble (himself/herself). I even pray for opportunities like You gave Israel—an overwhelming army against (him/her)—if that’s what it takes.

Even if ____ should humble (himself/herself) and afterwards go back to sinning, it keys me to know there is interaction going on between You and (him/her). I pray earnestly that You continue to draw (him/her). How I long to see many more glimpses of contriteness in (him/her).

SUPPLICATION

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CHRISTIAN

[Because we are Christians and live in the world we will always need prayer for our walk and for witnessing to others about CHRIST. Here’s an opportunity to pray for others or even ourselves. Fill their name or your name in the blanks.]

DRAWING CONVERSATION BACK TO JESUS

“And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom.   For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.   And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God” (I Cor 2:1-5 ESV).

FATHER, I pray for ____ as (he/she) has opportunity to speak of Christianity. Restrain (him/her) from thinking and speaking in a worldly manner. There is no spiritual strength using words that put pressure on the will of the listener or to make an effort to engage emotions (#123, p116). “Paul does not threaten or merely exhort, nor does he lift up some shining example to emulate” Timothy Keller (ref# 123, p117). Prod ____ to make (his/her) message only be about “the limitless significance of Jesus Christ as the propitiation for our sins,…” Oswald Chambers (ref#7, Oct 15th).

FATHER, also keep ____ from toting a specific program of Christianity. This, too, is the world’s way to persuade, for it is easier to be part of a cause than to be an obedient CHRIST-follower. “It is easier to belong to a coterie which tells what Jesus Christ has done for me, easier to become a devotee to Divine healing, or to a special type of sanctification, or to the baptism of the Holy Ghost” Oswald Chambers (ref#7, Oct 15th).

Again, prod ____ to proclaim the Gospel, testifying “to the matchless worth of the person and work of Christ” A. W. Pink (ref#152, p 167)—no sales pitch—no witnessing for CHRIST, but witnessing about CHRIST.

SUPPLICATION

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GENERAL SICKNESS

[The majority of our prayers concern physical health. We all know someone who is dealing with the pain of sickness. Here is an opportunity to pray for them. Fill their name in the blanks.]

HEALING – FOR BODY AND SOUL

…FATHER, since I am led to pray for healing, I must be prepared to preach. If I possess the faith to believe that nothing is impossible with You, I will have ready the Gospel message; for when Your power is displayed, many will be ready to listen.

Your healing is not just restoring health: “Physical healing is real, but it stands in service to a higher and sweeter gift: seeing and savoring the forgiving authority of Christ” Brent Nelson (ref#140). With my eyes I may see only the temporal healing CHRIST gives. But He takes our infirmities and carries away our diseases (Isa 53:4) healing both body and soul by forgiving our sins (Mark 2:5).

As far as physical sickness goes, FATHER, there may be no sin involved. You may allow sickness as a chastisement for disobedience, or for the purpose of discipline, or for no other purpose than the glory of Your grace (John 9:2,3), or to demonstrate the ministry of CHRIST (ref#4, p123-124). The affliction of Job was of grace; Paul’s thorn in the flesh was not of sin (ref#4, p123). But, the reasons for physical sickness are of less importance than the result of healing.

I desire ____ to be healed. I desire (he/she) react to (his/her) physical healing as the two blind men did in Matt 20:34. When JESUS touched their eyes, immediately they regained their sight and followed him. Their following CHRIST demonstrated a spiritual healing as well as the physical healing.

Physical and spiritual healing is never separated in Scripture. It is a package deal. In John’s third letter he prays that his readers may prosper in all things and be in health, just as their soul prospers (3 John 2). COMPASSIONATE FATHER, I ask that You heal ____ both body and soul.

As the result of Your healing, I ask that You give me opportunities to draw attention to CHRIST. Peter and John provide an example for me in Acts three.

PURPOSEFUL FATHER, Don’t let me simply marvel at Your power then walk away and forget it. Your supernatural powers need to be shouted from the house tops. There is nothing greater to talk about. Heal ____ and keep me talking about it as long as I live.

SUPPLICATION

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GENERAL TRIBULATION

[We all can think of a Christian sister or brother experiencing so much affliction they may not be able to pray for themselves. Here’s an opportunity to pray for them. Fill their name in the blanks.]

PERMANENT BLESSINGS

Calamity can wash ____ out to sea when everything before (him/her) begins shifting. Change frightens. Even one change in life can be enough to take (his/her) eyes off You, FATHER—You, the unchangeable GOD.

FATHER, although ____ is experiencing change, You abide evermore the same. The streams of Your love are as “deep, as broad, and as full as ever” Charles Spurgeon (ref#34, July 1st AM).

Since ____’s stability is never sure, propel (his/her) thoughts toward the things that cannot be shaken (Heb 12:27). Certainly a short amount of reminiscing about You can cover over (his/her) unstable state and replace it with thanksgiving.

Move ____ to stand at the foot of the cross trusting alone in the merits of JESUS’ blood. Does (he/she) not have solid assurances that Your love will keep (him/her) until the end (Jude 24)?

You are (his/her) FATHER!—who gives good gifts to (him/her) when (he/she) asks You (Matt 7:11). You have a permanent house for (him/her) in the heavens (John 14:2). You not only love (him/her) through Your Son, but You, Yourself love (him/her) (John 16:27). FATHER, You are (his/her) GOD and Rock of salvation (Ps 89:26).

The love of Your Son stands also as a permanent blessing to ____. Nothing can affect the strength of His affectionate nature. (He/She) is His desire (Song 7:10). There is no creature or circumstance that can separate (him/her) from His love (Rom 8:35).

“…let us …not…be cast down by what may happen in this…fleeting state of time….we will see the wreck of everything earthborn, and yet rejoice in the God of our salvation” Charles Spurgeon (ref#34, June 22nd PM).

Change is here for ____; inspire (him/her) to embrace You, LORD. You are (his/her) unchangeable GOD.

SUPPLICATION

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NON CHRISTIAN Pursuers

[We all have friends and family that sit in our churches but only act like they are Christians. It is up to us to pray for their salvation. Here’s an opportunity to pray for them. Fill their name in the blanks.]

CALL TO REVIVAL

FATHER, there are those in our congregation living on milk and content to be unskilled in righteousness (Heb 5:13) and, there are those who have unknowingly walked away from the SPIRIT they began with (Gal 3:3). ____ may fit in this category.

Only You can make steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other.   Only You can make righteousness looks down from the sky and faithfulness spring up from the ground (Ps 85:10,11). Will You not revive ____, that (he/she) may again rejoice in You (Ps 85:6)?

The SPIRIT’s influence on the people that lived in Jerusalem when Ezra came to build the temple was something amazing. Ezra learned that the people, GOD’s holy race, had mixed themselves with the peoples of the nearby lands (Ezra 9:2). After Ezra prayed Your people, FATHER, in an unheard of, unthinkable act sent back home their foreign wives and their children (Ezra 10:12)!

I’m sure the action of Ezra, when he learned of the people’s intermarrying, influenced You in helping the people accomplish such unthinkable feats. Ezra tore his garment, pulled hair from his head and beard and sat appalled until the evening sacrifice then rose from his fasting and fell on his knees and prayed (Ezra 9:4,5).

FATHER, fasting and waiting on You for long periods of time is something rare today—as rare as the possibility of the work of the SPIRIT making current headlines. Burden ____ to seek revival for (his/her) own heart. Move (him/her) to concern (himself/herself) with Your goals. Give (him/her) a heart like Ezra’s.

SUPPLICATION

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GENERAL CHRISTIAN

[Because we are Christians and live in the world we will always need prayer for our walk and for witnessing to others about CHRIST. Here’s an opportunity to pray for others or even ourselves. Fill their name or your name in the blanks.]

PRESENTING THE GOSPEL TO BOTH THE GOATS AND THE SHEEP

FATHER, Christianity will always be perceived negatively to the general population. No one walks into a church or crusade without an initial drawing from You. No one seeks You on their own (Ps 14:1-3) so any words ____ speaks about You in public will fall on the ears of those who are naturally prejudiced against Christianity. “The once born never understand the twice-born…” A. W. Tozer (ref#103, p40). At best, (his/her) words will be foolishness to them. It is just as hard to witness in the middle of a Muslim nation as it is in a western country. FATHER, unless You change hearts ____’s words will be met with hostility.

CHRIST’s words divided the crowds. To His sheep (the ones who listened), His words brought a softness and an intrigue; but to the goats (the self-righteous and independent) His words spurred violence toward Him.

____’s mission field that You have given (him/her) are the ones whose road leads to hell and they don’t know it. Mobilize (him/her) for truth-speaking that will blast people off the destructive road. FATHER, make ____’s words like fire—like a hammer that breaks rock into pieces (Jer 23:29).   Drive ____ to speak so truthfully that immediately (he/she) will be able to recognize the sheep from the goats.

SUPPLICATION

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GENERAL SICKNESS

[The majority of our prayers concern physical health. We all know someone who is dealing with the pain of sickness. Here is an opportunity to pray for them. Fill their name in the blanks.]

GOD’S WATCHFUL EYE

screen-shot-2017-02-21-at-2-43-41-pmFATHER, You do not forget the cry of ____ who is presently afflicted (Ps 9:12). Not only do You not forget but You set the boundaries of (his/her) tribulation. (He/She) will not “suffer too much or be relieved too late” Charles Spurgeon (ref#34, Aug 17th PM).

“The knife of the heavenly Surgeon never cuts deeper than is absolutely necessary. ‘He doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men’” Charles Spurgeon (Lam 3:33) (ref#34, Aug 17th PM).

FATHER, deliver strength to ____ as (he/she) is tried and give (him/her) more power since (he/she) is weak (Isa 40:29).   Wise is (he/she) in the day of trouble who knows (his/her) “true source of strength and who fails not to pray” E.M. Bounds (ref#64, p47). “…God will supply every need…according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:19 ESV).

SUPPLICATION

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GENERAL TRIBULATION

[We all can think of a Christian sister or brother experiencing so much affliction they may not be able to pray for themselves. Here’s an opportunity to pray for them. Fill their name in the blanks.]

COMFORT OF THE SPIRIT IN AFFLICTION

screen-shot-2017-02-21-at-2-11-17-pm…FATHER, as ____ goes through life the consolations of Your HOLY SPIRIT are useful and necessary to (him/her). The SPIRIT comforts (his/her) in afflictions. These afflictions are a provision that You have made for (him/her) (Heb 12:5,6) (ref#35, p405).

____’s natural spirit will struggle with afflictions. (He/She) will try to relieve (himself/herself) by any means. In a display of pride (he/she) will despise the chastising affliction or in dejectedness of spirit, (he/she) will sink under the weight of (his/her) troubles (ref#35, p406).

How easily ____ will look for second causes (causes other than You, FATHER) in (his/her) affliction. (He/She) will try to fix it (himself/herself). Keep (him/her) FATHER, from this for (he/she) will lose all the benefits and advantages of this affliction that You have bestowed upon (him/her) (ref#35, p406).

FATHER, keep (him/her) also from sinking under the trial. If You do not teach (him/her) to consider deeply Your chastisements and dealings with (him/her), (he/she) will find the season of afflictions many as (he/she) goes through life (ref#35, p406).

Only the SPIRIT can manage (his/her) soul in affliction so that You, FATHER, have the glory of it and (he/she) be benefited. Affliction gives (him/her) a chance to glory in (his/her) tribulations (Rom 5:3). Send the SPIRIT, FATHER, to ____.

“…there is no management nor improvement of any affliction, but merely and solely by the consolations of the Holy Ghost” John Owen (ref#35, p407).