Ang Tanging Akin

A shallow view of prayer will ask for a lighter cross, an instant release. It bows down to the mockings of the world, "Come down from the cross and save yourself! What a ridiculous thing for you to carry a cross at this day and age of instant gratification." 

But to intercede in behalf of God's will for the present situation is divine. "Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake." Psalms 115:1 Focusing on the weight of the cross rather than the privilege of carrying it robs us of the glory at the end, delays our maturity in God's graces, and makes cowards out of men who were called to be fearless soldiers. 

Don't pray to be spared from pain. Pain to the true believer is the road that drives him further into the mercies of God and opens to him fresh revelations of His truth. Pray instead to be spared from temptation. Don't pray to be spared from persecution, it is God's hand to strengthen His church, pray instead to be spared from cowardice. If you cringe from a little pain and illness weakens you, how then can you contend with horses? If at this time of peace you refuse to contend for the faith, how then can you fight when the enemy overwhelms you? Jeremiah 12:5

Pray for boldness. 
Pray for tears.
Pray for opportunities to proclaim Christ. 
Pray for God to glorify His name. 

Intercede for the weakest of saints. 
Intercede for the faithful who are suffering for the faith. 
Intercede for their families. 
Intercede for the nation, that God would send more faithful laborers, and who can weep before God. Our children will grow up on this very soil, and we have failed to do our part for their future, if all we ask from God is a lighter cross. 

Kaawa-awa ang bansang napakaraming nakatira na nakikinabang lamang sa likas niyang yaman, ngunit walang pag-ibig man lang na iluhod sa Diyos ang kanyang nag-iisang bayan. 

Photo credit @jobstantine

 

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