40 Days of Prayer Day 6 "The Kingdom of God is Not About Words, But Power"

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7 NIV).

Father God, we humbly come to You confessing that we have not always been bold in witnessing for You. We have not always been bold in stepping out in faith when we know in our hearts that we should have. We have not always accessed the power that is available to us by Your Holy Spirit. We have not always loved our neighbors as ourselves. We have not always exhibited self-discipline in our thoughts, attitudes, words or behavior. Give us the strength and courage to unlock those hidden compartments in our lives that distract us or prevent us from fully surrendering to You.

Forgive us, loving Father, for those times when we have been timid, or have not trusted You enough to believe we have the power You have given us. In Your great mercy, forgive us when we have loved ourselves more than others; when we have ignored the cries of the hurting; or when we deliberately have not responded to Your nudging. Forgive us when we choose to go our own way rather than follow the path You have chosen for us.

Lord, You are the potter, we are the clay. Mold us into the image of our Lord Jesus Christ. Make us more like You. Fill us with the Holy Spirit so we can find peace, hope and joy in the midst of uncertain, anxious times. Use us however You choose for Your Glory and the advancement of Your Kingdom. 

As we approach the day of Pentecost, remind us of the transforming, healing power of the Holy Spirit to change us. That same power can enable us to face any challenge, to overcome any obstacle, and to work for good in any situation we face. For it is from Your hand that we receive power, to love others as You love us, and to accept the discipline we need to follow You.

In the mighty Name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Louis Haynes