Scripture: The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and freedom to prisoners. To comfort all who mourn, giving them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
– Isaiah 61:1-3
This is a foretelling of the ministry of the Messiah. It is our call as well as we share the Lord’s ministry with the broken, captive, sad and hopeless. In what ways is God calling you to comfort others and to pray for them? To put on garlands of celebration, the oil of gladness, and a mantle of praise?
Prayer: Dear God, help us see where you are calling our church. Help us glorify You in all we do. Reveal where you want us to minister and give us the strength to follow our callings. You are a great God – anoint us as we share the good news.
Petition: For God to anoint our new pastor, Lance, as he leads our congregation into ministry. That he will know that the Spirit of the Lord is on him. That we will be open to hear as he speaks God’s word.