Heavenly Father as we near the time that we celebrate the birth of Your Son, I am reminded of how the people were watching for the Messiah, yet many completely missed His coming. I also am aware of how bad we are at watching and waiting for Your Son to return. Even at the most critical hour, Christ had this to say to those disciples He had trained and trusted: “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” [Matthew 26:40&41]
Holy Spirit we need to be faithful like the people Isaiah tells us about: “I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest.” Or worded another way: (the Message)—I’ve posted watchman on your walls, Jerusalem. Day and night they keep at it, praying, calling out, reminding God to remember. They are to give him no peace until he does what he said until he makes Jerusalem famous as the City of Praise.” [Isaiah 62:6&7]
Holy Spirit help me to daily take time to pray, to listen, and to watch. Help me to be ready for the day Christ comes back. Let me live life fully to the purpose and will of the Father, but with a conscious focus to see You all around me. Help me to become much more aware of the Spiritual world around me so that I can be ready at all times. Help me to stand firm and with resolve to call attention to the promises You have given me. Help me to always move towards the fight instead of hiding from it. Let me fully rest in the palm of Your hands and know that my battles are not against other people but against Satan and his forces. Help me to pray with authority but also with humility to always keep Your will first in all that I ask or petition.
I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness to how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times. I long to impart on you some spiritual gift to make you strong—that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. For in the gospel righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith. (Romans 1:8-17) Now I urge you, brethren, to note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore, I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. (Romans 16:17-20)