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A Prayer About Friends Struggling in Gospel Ministry

     But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry. He prayed to the LORD, “O LORD, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, O LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.” But the LORD replied, “Have you any right to be angry?” Jonah 4:1-3

     Dear Jesus, once again you’ve stirred my heart to pray for men and women engaged in the ministry of the gospel. I wish it weren’t so, but sometimes it takes my own hiccups and heartburn to hit my knees with compassionate intercession for others. Before your occupied throne of grace, I’m bringing you missionaries, pastors, elders, counselors… a wide range of folk you have called and gifted to share and apply the gospel of your grace.

     Many of them are living Jonah’s story. In their heads they still know you to be a God “who is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.” But in their hearts, they are “displeased and angry”… disconnected, disillusioned and, and some, like Jonah, would prefer death to any more life. Have mercy, on them, Lord, have great mercy today.

     Jesus, you know all the issues. Nobody knows exactly what’s going on but you. You know what’s under the anger… what’s compounding the contempt… and what’s fueling the flight. Meet each of my friends and colleagues right where they are. Meet their spouses and children as well, for sometimes it’s the family members who suffer ministry pangs the most.

     Comfort them with your compassion. Grant them a renewed perspective of eternity. Rekindle hope in their hurting hearts. Where needed, may your kindness drive them to appropriate repentance. Refresh them with whatever means of grace you choose.

     Until you return, Jesus, Satan will continue to mount an all out assault against you by attacking your Bride… and especially those called to nourish and prepare your church for the great Wedding Day. He knows he’s lost us for eternity, so he will do anything and everything within his power to bring havoc, heartache and hell. Use us, however you choose, to encourage your servants, and all the more as we see that great Day approaching. So very Amen, we pray, in your holy and loving name.

    

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