Lenten Devotional
By Pastor Vicki Harrison

Scripture Reading:

Habakkuk 3:2,
LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, LORD. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.

Matthew 7:11
So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.

Ephesians 3:16-19,
I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.  Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

Reflection:

Real revival is always birthed in and sustained by prayer. That’s why passionate, continuous prayer must be more than a church program; it must become a lifestyle of seeking God. When we pray for a spiritual awakening, we want to pray that God fills us with his Holy Spirit in a new way and that we become renewed in a powerful way.  But awakening is more than simply becoming a little bit closer to God, it’s truly become alive again.  It’s resurrection within us, within our church, within our community. 

Spiritual awakening involves looking in to our own lives (turning from sin), looking up to God (asking for his presence and power), and looking out to those around us (uniting to spread the hope of Christ). Let’s believe that God will do extraordinary things as we turn, pray, and unite with one cry for spiritual awakening here at New Hope.

Prayer:

Lord, we pray for spiritual awakening within each of us. Give us each a spirit of humility and a fervent desire to grow in our walk with you.  If we are comfortable, make us uncomfortable.  If we are complacent, give us passion.  If we are selfish, give us an incredible love for your people.  Speak to us as individuals, Lord, and help us be willing to listen and obey.

We pray for spiritual awakening here at New Hope, in this community of faith.  Renew us as a church, Lord.  Let your Spirit be so evident here that people notice it as soon as they walk on our campus.  Where we are divided, Lord, help us be unified.  Heal any wounds that are present so that as a body of believers, we can grow together, worship together, live out our faith together in ways that yield fruit for your Kingdom.  Give us a fervent desire to make NEW WINE, to be willing to take risks.  Speak to us as a congregation, Lord, and help us be willing to listen and obey.

We pray for spiritual awakening in our community, Lord.  Help us be part of something new, something amazing, a movement of God right here in Brandon, Florida.  Amen.