Sanctuary

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.²⁵ Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (Galatians 5:24–26)

Paul is writing to the Galatians to defend the authority of the gospel, as many were turning from faith to legalism. Today this concept is prevalent in our culture; we try to earn God’s favor or we become complacent in “doing good works” outside the dependency of the leading of the Spirit.

Ask the Spirit to guide you today, to give you discernment and courage to respond as He’s calling you. Ask God to place His will as the desire of your heart, recognizing that your old ways, the desires of your flesh, have been crucified with Christ. Pray for the Spirit to facilitate your conversations today and for God to guide your steps and protect your mind from the ways of the flesh.

Prayer Focus: FCA

Let us know how can we be praying for you here!

Where can I go from your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence?
⁸ If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast.
¹¹ If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
    and the light become night around me,”
¹² even the darkness will not be dark to you;
    the night will shine like the day,
    for darkness is as light to you. (Psalm 139:7–12)

This psalm of David recognizes God’s omnipresence. He knows the depths of our hearts and yet loves us the same. As the psalm states, there is nowhere we can go to escape the presence of our God.

Do you live in recognition of God’s presence in your everyday life? Today, seek to stay alert to the light in your day, giving praise to God for His constant presence. Ask God to make you aware of His presence as you go throughout the different aspects of your day: work, routine, carpool, laundry, meetings, travels, meals. Whatever composes your day, be assured that He ordered this day and is with you in it.

Prayer Focus: Women at Sanctuary

Let us know how can we be praying for you here!

Arise, cry out in the night,
    as the watches of the night begin;
pour out your heart like water
    in the presence of the Lord.
Lift up your hands to him
    for the lives of your children,
who faint from hunger
    at every street corner. (Lamentations 2:19)

Deep grief is expressed in Lamentations, grief at the destruction of Jerusalem and the devastation of its nation. In the midst of tragedy and desolation, there is still space for hope and to realize the mercy of God as He turns all sin, damage, and loss to be used for His good.

We are called to confession and a posture of repentance as we become aware of sin in our lives. Take some time today to ask God to expose and reveal to you the sins lurking in your depths, those lying in dark, hidden spaces. Ask Him to bring them into the light for repentance and for healing.

As we repent, we can praise God for the price that has been paid for our sins by the power of the cross. Ask God for a greater understanding of His grace, grace that covers our multitude of sins.

“Sin is the second most powerful force in the universe, for it sent Jesus to the cross. Only one force is greater—the love of God.” —Billy Graham

Prayer Focus: Men at Sanctuary

Let us know how can we be praying for you here!