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!

Be appalled, O heavens, at this; be shocked, be utterly desolate, declares the Lord, for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.” Jeremiah 2:12-13

Father, forgive us for our lack of prayer. We don’t pray because we lack faith. We do not pray because we try to handle the challenges of life ourselves. We do not pray because we do not believe you care to hear about our problems. We don’t pray because we believe you won’t change your mind. We don’t pray because we feel guilty about just how little we pray. We don’t pray because we foolishly believe it all depends on us. Instead of praying like you have invited us to do, I worry. Your church worries. We worry about the impact of culture on our kids. We worry about the politics of our day. We worry for our safety. We worry for our future. We worry how we will be affected by our past. Our Nation does not pray. We do not seek you. We are not led by your voice. We do not seek to honor you. Injustice abounds. Chaos rules. Truth is relative. We have lost our way.

“Return, Israel, to the Lord your God. Your sins have been your downfall! Take words with you and return to the Lord. Hosea 14:1-2a

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God,which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7

Father, what you have asked from us is that we would trust you, that we would come only to you, that we would not rely on ourselves, that we would not be driven by our anxiety. You have commanded us that we would not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present our requests to you. Help us to trust that you want to hear about our troubles. Help us to believe that you are the master of the storm. Help us to put to death our self sufficiency. Help us to draw close to you, to keep our eyes on you, to return to the wellspring of life. Help us to pray as we should. 

Amen