When we find ourselves in the midst of turmoil and uncertainty all around us, Scripture is clear that the church’s primary response must be one of prayer. We firmly believe that any move of God begins with us humbly coming to Him in repentance for sin and seeking revival.

On September 27th we held a “Repentance Sunday” prayer service at Outward Church Outward elders and leaders identified several topics of repentance and led us in a time of guided prayer and scripture for each one. We are posting these prayers on our blog so that you can continue to pray through these topics of repentance on your own. We believe in the power of prayer and want to be a church devoted to prayer. Let’s seek the Lord together!

Save, O Lord, for the godly one is gone; for the faithful have vanished from among the children of man. Everyone utters lies to his neighbor; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak. May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that makes great boasts, those who say, “With our tongue we will prevail, our lips are with us; who is master over us?” “Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the Lord; “I will place him in the safety for which he longs.” The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times. You, O Lord, will keep them; you will guard us from this generation forever. On every side the wicked prowl, as vileness is exalted among the children of man. Psalm 12:1-8

Father, we come before you as our maker and our judge. Father you know all hearts, all desires, and from you no secrets are hidden. We know that Jesus was obedient unto death, yet we confess that at the smallest inconvenience or hardship we quickly turn away from doing what is right and pleasing to you. 

We confess that one of the ways we disobey you is in our lack of care and help toward others. We know that so often we refuse to set aside our own interests for the sake of others. We make excuses and rationalize why our needs should come first, forgetting that Jesus has called us to follow him as a servant. Please change us that we might have hearts responsive to your word.

Forgive us for our lack of compassion for the poor. 

You’ve told us to feed the hungry and clothe the naked. Help us Lord to be obedient to your calling and live faithfully to your Word. Help our leaders to understand the need for the right policies to tackle poverty. Help us to be quick to help and serve the needy. We pray that you will make us more and more like your Son, so that we live a life of humility, grace and charity.

Forgive us for our lack of compassion for the immigrant.

Father we pray for the immigrant,

For all those who cannot see a home in the days ahead of them;

For all those who dwell in daily insecurity;

For all those who are weary and without a safe place to rest their heads.

We pray that those who seek to make a home in this country may find us welcoming and willing to help them find a path toward citizenship. We pray that our legislators, as they craft new immigration legislation may find the wisdom and courage to enact new policies. May all those who are far from their home find in the Church a home where no one is a stranger.

Forgive us for our lack of compassion for the orphan.

Father, we pray for the orphans. So many children around the world have never known the love of a mother or father. Lord, we know you have a special heart for little children and orphans. We pray for comfort in their trials, and for you to provide for them when they are in need. Guide them when they are abandoned, and protect them from those that would take advantage or exploit them. Heal the physical and emotional hurt they experience, so that they may overcome through you Lord. Father, would you draw near to each one and bring them into a saving relationship with you.

Thank you that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us now.

Thank you  for displaying your strength and love and enabling us to love you.

Thank you for the promise that we, too, will be raised, and that we will one day see your face to face in all your glory

In Jesus’ name, amen.