Scripture Union Daily Guide 13th December 2024: Ezra Prays About Israel’s Situation
Daily Guide Devotional For Today 13 December 2024 (Friday)
TOPIC: EZRA PRAYS ABOUT ISRAEL’S SITUATION
OPENING PRAYER: As I read through this passage dear Lord, let your word bring transformation to my life.
SCRIPTURE: EZRA 9:1-15
Question(s) for Reflection
* Q 1: What does the passage teach about God the Father, or God the Son or God the Holy Spirit?
* Q2: Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 13th December 2024 Outline:
Ezra recognized the spiritually fallen state of Israel and prayed about it. The people of Israel, the set apart nation for God, including even their priests and Levites had not kept themselves apart from the alien population, and from the abominable practices of the non-Hebrew people (vs.1-2). What were the results of those kinds of unholy practices (see v.3)? The Chief offenders were “the leaders” and “the magistrates” (v.2b).
The fish got rotten beginning from its head. Notice Ezra’s response to such evil in v.3. Thank God for others who had a godly concern about the situation and rallied around Ezra (v.4).
Observe the depth of Ezra’s grief as he humbly prayed and confessed their sins to the Lord. He gave no excuses. He knew very well that it was because of such sins that Israel was taken into captivity. Notice how Ezra acknowledged that God would be justified in destroying them in His anger and also understood that they could only have a right relationship with God because of His great kindness, love and grace.
In his prayer, Ezra made no special request. What can he teach us about our own prayers?
Practice/Word Application
Thought: “Whoever conceals his transgression will not prosper but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy” (Proverbs 28:13, ESV).
* Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
Pray about the spiritual state of your church and nation.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Numbers 10:35
“And it came to pass, when the ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, LORD, and let thine enemies be scattered; and let them that hate thee flee before thee.”
One-Year Bible Reading Plan
Daily Bible Reading Plan: Day 348- Acts 27-28
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN 13 DECEMBER 2024
Indeed, this is what the Lord says: Even the captives of the mighty will be taken away, and the plunder of the tyrant will be retrieved, I will contend with those who contend with you, and I will save your children. – Isaiah 49:25
THANK GOD FOR:
‣ The lives of all SU children, and
‣ His thoughts and plans for their lives
‣ The salvation of as many as are saved among them
PRAY FOR:
‣ God to save those who are yet to be saved
‣ The Lord will contend, as he has promised, with every power contending with hem in fulfilling the purpose of God for their lives
‣ Grace for them to stand for the truth and righteousness wherever they are
Our Daily Bread for 9th December 2024 — Encouraged by God’s Promises
