I'm sitting here contemplating the sheer awfulness of yet another shooting in this country, the sheer awfulness of escalating evil, the growing violence and terrorism around the world, this steady slippery slide into the abyss of sin running rampant and out of control ... even as we begin our focus on the beauty and wonder of this precious advent season.
Come, Lord Jesus, come.
This is my steady prayer, this is the plea that lends itself to an inward peace. It's the only worthy response to the incessant cacophony that barges in, trying to intrude on the gift of joy You've given. This worldwide madness, this escalating chaos beckons us to yearn earnestly that You, dear Prince of Peace, would make Your earth-changing presence known to us in powerful ways, personally and as a global community.
As much as we might like to dwell in some kind of holy bubble, the truth is that we don't live in a vacuum. We are connected not just by technology's far reach, but also by the truth that we are human beings, kindred spirits created in Your image. How You must grieve that Your beauty, Your design has become so very marred and distorted.
Come, Lord Jesus, come.
Do Your holy work among us. Bring peace to fearful hearts. Somehow use all that swirls around us to draw us closer to Yourself. Mold us and make us to be Your image bearers, to show the beauty and love of Jesus Christ to a wounded, crazed world who desperately needs what only You can give.
Protect Your children from harm and danger and evil. Draw all men, women, and children to salvation in You alone. Reign supreme, conquer that most evil foe, the restless enemy of our souls. Unleash Your mighty power and Your awesome might so that all might see Your justice shine.
Come, Lord Jesus, come.
Amen, Linda. There is so much war and violence in the world it's sickening.
ReplyDeleteHow it must grieve the heart of the One who created us ...
DeleteWell said, my friend. He is our only hope.
ReplyDeleteYes, He is the hope of the world, Teresa. Yes.
DeleteBefore this recent tragedy, I titled a post How Long, O Lord? We can't seem to escape a world that is filled with violence and hate. Your words are so true, beautifully said as we plea, Come, Lord Jesus, Come.
ReplyDeleteOur hearts, our words are resonating together, aren't they, Debby ...
DeleteHi Linda, I am sorry for not getting back to you! I have just finished my medications! Being stressed lately BP lower than average! can you beat that? I just laughed when the Doc. said so. But I am in shape and BP back to normal!
ReplyDeleteGetting pretty ready for the holidays over here....
Hugs and Keep Well, Friend
May this weekend find that BP steady and sure. May His Spirit calm your heart and give you sweet comfort and peace, dear Ifeoma ...
DeleteAmen, Linda
ReplyDeleteSharing this with my online prayer group today.
So grateful that God might see fit to use this prayer in the lives of the women you interact with, dear Lyli. I praise Him for that grace.
DeleteAmen, Linda. It's so heartbreaking. I long with you - Come, Lord Jesus, Come!
ReplyDeleteYes, Trudy, yes! We join our hearts and voices and pens together ...
DeleteAmen, Linda. I join you in praying for hearts that turn to Jesus and find the hope and peace that only He can bring. Sweet blessings to you, friend. : )
ReplyDeleteIt's often when we hit bottom that we begin to seek the Savior, isn't it ...
DeleteBeautiful, Linda. I so appreciated this post.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you're here today, Joanne ... weekend blessings to you!
DeleteAmen. Not again:( I have no words... just Amen to your words and prayers, Linda.
ReplyDeleteI hear you ... words are often hard to find, aren't they ...
DeleteAmen! My heart breaks as I look and see the desolation that has become our habitation in places. It is not a world I want to release my children into. But God is still Good! God is still on the throne and He is still working miracles. Praying with you, Come, Lord Jesus, Come!
ReplyDeletePraise God that He works miracles in those most desolate of situations, Dawn. Thanks for joining us here this weekend.
DeleteMay it be a blest one for you, for yours ...
Linda-- as always your prayer was spot on. Thank you for touching on the need for God's earth-changing presence to be known to us. It feels like the wild, wild west with gunfights everywhere but unfortunately, it is the beginning of the birth pangs according to scripture. But the video just thrilled my heart to see all those young people (especially those young guys) expressing that emotion of love and adoration to Almighty God. Wow,.....you can see that the concert was a real God moment for the audience. That was a faith booster for me.
ReplyDeleteYes, Carol ... that concert touched me, too! I went into You Tube with my mind on another song, but instead stumbled into this new-to-me worship song!
DeleteJust wow, right? Praise God. Yes.
Amen, girlfriend. I love how He's moving in this next generation!
Amen
ReplyDeleteYes, Kara, yes ...
DeleteDo Your holy work among us - amen, my friend. Beautifully written.
ReplyDeleteHow we need His Holy presence to descend in power ... yes, June.
DeletePraying with you ...
ReplyDeleteCome Lord Jesus come should be the prayer in our hearts and on our lips. I am praying these words with you as we face hurt, violence and tragedy over and over. Sabbath blessings!
ReplyDeleteThe shock and sadness cascades ... but He is stronger than the flood of evil. Amen.
DeleteSo beautifully stated and prayed, Linda. Thank you for a glimpse into your sweet and tender heart on this issue. It helps us to remember who the Prince of Peace is and how very much we need Him in this messy world we live in. Hugs and prayers to you!
ReplyDeleteFrom my journal to this page, Beth ... and then just cleaned up a bit. I had to share this prayer ... I didn't want to pray it alone.
DeleteThanks for visiting with us this afternoon, my friend. I hope you've found this advent sabbath to be re-energizing and encouraging ...
Praying for Peace.
ReplyDeleteHappy Advent
God bless.
Glad you've dropped in, Victor ...
Delete"Its the only worthy response..." Truth is: are absolutely 100% correct.
ReplyDeleteWe agree!
Delete;-}
Yes, amen!
ReplyDelete... and may it be soon.
DeleteThese are true words, dear Linda. May peace and love be the prayer of our hearts.
ReplyDeleteJandi ... I love that we can all join hearts over the miles and bring all that's swirling around us right up to the One who can do something eternally significant with it all.
DeleteI've had this same song on my heart quite often this year, Linda. Beautiful song, beautiful prayer. Waiting with you, my friend.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, Lois. The Christ-worshipers wait together for that long anticipated coming.
DeleteCome, Thou, long expected Jesus ...