PRAYER 6 – God’s Pardon Obtaining: Mercy through prayer

The aim of this devotional study is to discover God’s heart and our responsibility concerning mercy for ourselves and other people.

Scripture

Ezekiel 22:30-31

30 “So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall and stand in the gap before Me of behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. 31 Therefore I have poured out my indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath; and I have recompensed their deeds on their heads,” say the Lord God.

Observations & Reflection

Israel have once again walked away from God and the people oppressed each other, committed robbery, mistreated the poor etc. (see Ezekiel 22: 23-29 for a list of their wrongdoings)

1. What two parts of God’s character are illustrated through this portion of scripture?
2. Why did God punish them in the end?
3. How does that make you feel?

Personal Application & Prayer

1. When you read this Text, which individual, family, group (such as a school, community) comes to mind? Try to articulate what the person / group’s vulnerability is, and why.
2. Now pray for this person and community. Don’t just “list the request” but sincerely pray as the Spirit guides you.  Appeal to God’s mercy.
3. Make some reminder/ marker (such as a bookmark in your Bible/ sticky card on mirror/ calendar reminder on your phone) and pray for this person/ community daily for the next week (or until the Lord releases this burden).

Thanks to Ester Venter for this devotional series on prayer.