September 2017
“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me”
(Psalm 57:1-2)
This month’s prayer focus is for those affected by the natural disasters that have targeted the shores of America. As we write, Irma has already taken the lives of 20 people making its way to Florida, who has issued the biggest mandatory evacuation and warning in her history. The whole state faces destruction. We pray that all lives will escape. Florida, as Texas in the aftermath of Harvey (her largest hurricane in history), is going to need our prayers and support. Only God can put such brokenness together. Pray for these states, the emergency support people, and recovery, as though it was your state. Open your heart to God to speak to you as to how you can be a part of the recovery. Be kinder than you ever have before.
The largest fires in Los Angeles history, other parts of California, Washington State, and Oregon are forcing many to evacuate from the Pacific west coast. More inland are the fires in Idaho. Destruction leaves its path as fires continues to burn out of man’s control. Shamefully, human beings started some of them. Loss of property and material possession will takes years, if ever, to recover. Pray for the lives to be protected and these fires to be quenched.
The United States is facing material, financial and emotional devastations. These will be felt in our 50 states for many years to come and will reshape how we view our self and each other. It will cost all of us. For some, it will turn them back to God. We are in a situation no man-made institution can fix. We should and must call upon the Lord in repentance. As Americans, we have purposely stepped outside of His protective wall. Call upon His name. He will hear and answer.
(Also read Isaiah 14:31-32; Hosea 6:1-3; Acts 27:22)