SEPTEMBER 30
Hey friend,
I’ve struggled to decide how to wrap up our prayer initiative. There are a number of prayers that have been helpful for me that we have not been able to get to. I do hope this time has sparked your prayer life and increased your desire to see God move in your life.
Before we get to the prayer, I have a confession to make. I often feel like I should be a lot further in my journey. There are heart attitudes that I wish were completely gone. I deal with bitterness towards people who have hurt me, I feel insecure often, I have many days when I have a hard time hearing from God, and I’m still angry and selfish more than I care to admit.
What has most surprised me is not how much I still struggle, but how kind God has been to me in the struggle. It’s not that I feel like He ignores my weaknesses, it’s just that He is really patient with me. He’s patient in how much He reveals, and when He reveals it. He wants us to experience His kindness towards us. In fact, it’s His kindness that leads us to repentance.
I believe God wants to show us things that need to change, and He wants to do it in a way that is helpful. He really is FOR YOU.
What concerns me most is not when people acknowledge their weaknesses, it’s when there’s no space for God to correct or redirect their lives.
So today, we are going to pray a prayer asking God to reveal to us the things that we don’t even see. We are going to let Him search our hearts and show us what is on the inside.
To warm up, you might want to read all of Psalm 139.
Near the end of this beautiful Psalm, King David gives us a powerful prayer…
Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT):
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
That’s a bold prayer!!
Would you take a moment to join me in praying this prayer?
You might pray something like this…
“Father, I thank you for how gracious you are to point out areas of my life that need to change. I pray that you would show me heart attitudes that need to change. Reveal my sin. Give me awareness of your heart towards me. Help me know where you are pleased, and help me know where I offend you.
Lead me on the path to a life that brings joy and pleasure to your heart. Change me and make me like you.
In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.”
As we wrap up our time together, I want to say thank you! Thanks for pushing through. Thanks for praying. I will continue to be praying for you – that these prayers will be a kickstarter for you in your growth.
If I can help support or help you in any way, don’t hesitate to reach out by emailing awood@echo.church.
I love you, and I love being your pastor!
With love,
Pastor Andy
How was the September Prayer Initiative for you?
Share your prayer or response in the comments below!
Continue growing your prayer life with a virtual prayer group.
Stay connected with Pastor Andy on Instagram & Facebook.
After reading Psalm 139
These Words from a 60’s lyrics popped into my head:
Babe
I got you babe
I got you babe
I got flowers in the spring
I got you to wear my ring
And when I’m sad, you’re a clown
And if I get scared, you’re always around
Don’t let them say your hair’s too long
‘Cause I don’t care, with you I can’t go wrong
Then put your little hand in mine
There ain’t no hill or mountain we can’t climb
Babe
I got you babe
I got you babe
I got you to hold my hand
I got you to understand
I got you to walk with me
I got you to talk with me
I got you to kiss goodnight
I got you to hold me tight
I got you, I won’t let go
I got you to love me so
I got you babe
I got you babe
I got you babe
I got you babe
I got you babe
I got you babe
I got you babe
I got you babe
THE LORD KNOWS ME! And “Gots me”!!!!
All is good! Even long hair from Covid-19 ?
I really enjoyed the 30 days of prayer. It was very inspiring and helpful. It helped me to work on different parts of myself and my life. Great job as always Pastor Andy. Love you my friend.
Thank you Pastor Andy. I too have enjoyed each day in September starting my day with your 30 day Prayer Initiative. It has helped in many ways. I appreciate you. Echo Church is great and continues to help me grow in my faith and love for our Father and his son Jesus.
This has been a fabulous prayer journey, thank you so much
Thank you for a much needed month of prayer. I learned a lot and prayed new prayers I would not have otherwise thought to pray. Your honesty, emotion and humble heart for God is a great example that always makes your message relatable. Thank you for this call to action. Praying for you pastor Andy and for our team at echo. Thank you all for all you do! God Bless!!
What a precious psalm!!!
It fill my heart this morning!
Thank you very much, for sharing personal experiences with us and helping us know that we are not alone on our journey to heaven. Thank you for the words of encouragement and love and for the powerful Scriptures that you shared with us!
We love you too and we pray for you and your beautiful family!
It has been a real pleasure to share these days, they passed so quickly! Thanks again!