By Joseph Ametepe
Almighty and Abba Father, we exalt You and exult in You for bringing us into the new month of September 2023. We count it a blessing to be among the living in September 2023. We do not take for granted Your blessings of “life and breath and all things” (Acts 17:25)! Indeed, we are glad and grateful to You for bestowing these blessings and more upon our lives. Your word says: “It is the blessing of the LORD that makes rich, and He adds no sorrow to it” (Proverbs 10:22; NASB).
August 2023 had its challenges
Although, August 2023 had its challenges, cares and concerns, not only were You there for us, You also brought us safely through it. You sustained us! Yes, You strengthened us! Also, You strongly supported us when our heart was completely Yours (see 2 Chronicles 16:9a)! You, supplied all our needs! Showed us Your favor! Spoke words of encouragement to our hearts to lift us out of our despair! Surrounded us spiritually and physically, even as the mountains surround Jerusalem (see Psalms 125:2)!
We rejoice and revel in Your goodness
Indeed, Almighty and Abba Father, we rejoice and revel in Your goodness to us over the years. You have been so good to us throughout our sojourn on earth. Your unfailing love has been demonstrated in our lives over and over again. Because of Your unfailing love for us, You sent Your only Begotten Son to earth to become like us! He willingly chose to dwell among us and die for our sins.
At the right time, Christ died for the ungodly
Your word says: “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person – though perhaps for a good person one would even die – but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:6-8; ESV).
O Abba Father, we thank You for Your outpoured love for us
O Abba Father, we thank You for Your outpoured love for us at the Cross of Christ. Because at the Cross of Christ, Your love met us in the moment of our deepest need. For, there, at the Cross, it was graciously and generously lavished upon us while we were “still weak” (Romans 5:6a)! “Ungodly” (Romans 5:6b)! “Still sinners” (Romans 5:8)! And even “while we were enemies” (Romans 5:10)!
Almighty Father, eternity itself will not suffice to give You praise
Indeed, Almighty Father, eternity itself will not suffice to give You our praise and worship and thanksgiving and adoration. For You alone are the true God, deserving of our praise, worship, thanksgiving, and adoration! Truly, You are in a distinguished class all by Yourself. “From everlasting to everlasting, You are God” (Psalms 90:2b; NASB). Great are You Lord, and greatly to be praised (see 1 Chronicles 16:25)! There is none like You among the gods, nor are there any works like Yours (see Psalms 86:8)! Father, You are majestic in holiness, awesome in praises, doing wonders (see Exodus 15:11)!
You O Lord are great
Because You O Lord are great, and do wonders; we come to You and cast all our cares upon You. For Your word assures us that You care for us (see 1 Peter 5:7). In fact, we are counting on Your loving care for us in September 2023. Why? Because You know all about the challenges that will come our way in September 2023. Indeed, You also know the changes which You had ordained to come into our lives and circumstances in September 2023 for our good!
We humbly and heartily commit our cause to You
Therefore, Almighty and Abba Father, we humbly and heartily commit our cause to You. Be pleased to accomplish what concerns our families, friends, fellow-believers and us in September 2023! Also, “O Holy One of Israel” (Psalms 78:41), carry out Your heart’s desire for the nation of Israel, - Your cherished people. As well, Lord and Lover of the Church, we beseech You, fulfill Your purpose for Your Church – Your called-out ones. Also, “God of the whole earth” (Isaiah 54:5), in September 2023, perform all that You have purposed to do for Your world. Made up of all the nations and lands You created under the heavens.
The month of September, brings back memories of 9-11-2001
In fact, the month of September, brings back memories of the Tuesday, September 11, 2001 attacks by terrorists on the United States of America. Dark and dreadful was that day, when four coordinated terrorist attacks by al-Qaeda were carried out against the United States. Close to three thousand people lost their precious lives on that day. Many are still dealing with the emotional scars of the violent and vicious death of their loved ones.
Our world desperately needs You
Indeed, Almighty and Abba Father, it’s undeniable! Our world desperately needs You. Therefore, we earnestly beseech You on behalf of the world. We thank You that Jesus did not come to judge the world at His First Coming, but to save the world (see John 12:47). As such, we ask that the people of the world will believe in Christ, so as not to remain in darkness (see John 12:46). Also, Father, grant that they will receive the sayings of Christ and not reject Him (see John 12:48).
O Abba Father...You are patient toward us
O Abba Father, Your word declares that You are patient toward us, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance (see 2 Peter 3:9b). Therefore, in Your patience and grace, grant the people of the world the repentance that leads to life (see Acts 11:18b). Please, give them the “want-to” to turn from their sins to the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ.
Almighty Father, we lift up to You Your Church
Also, Almighty Father, we lift up to You Your Church, that is, the family and fellowship of all born again believers! We thank You for the promise of Christ, the Bridegroom and the Builder of the Church. “I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it” (Matthew 16:18b; NASB). We are confident that despite the challenges Your Church is facing in this age, You will assuredly build Your Church.
Builder of the Church, empower all Your true followers
Therefore, Builder of the Church, empower all Your true followers to work the works of Him who sent us as long as it is day (see John 9:4a). For, “night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4b; NASB). Also, Lord, enable all true believers to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which they’ve been called (see Ephesians 4:1b).
Father, You are seeking true worshipers
Since Father, You are seeking true worshipers to worship You in spirit and truth, (see John 4:23), endue Your Church to do so. By Your Spirit, enhance the witness of Your Church in such a time as this. Also, be pleased to enrich the fellowship of Your Church that the world may see that we have love for one another (see John 13:35).
We know that the nation of Israel is dear to Your heart
And now, “O God of Israel,” (1 Kings 8:26), we know that the nation of Israel is dear to Your heart. For from Israel “is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen” (Romans 9:5b; NASB). Like Apostle Paul, our heart’s desire and our prayer to You for them is their salvation (see Romans 10:1). Yes, it is indeed true that they have a zeal for You, but not according to knowledge (see Romans 10:2).
We pray that they will submit to Your righteousness
Therefore, we pray that they will submit to Your righteousness, and not seek to establish their own (see Romans 10:3). Grant that they will confess with their mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in their heart that You raised Him from the dead; to be saved (see Romans 10:9). “For with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation” (Romans 10:10; NASB).
Almighty and Abba Father, we thank You
Indeed, Almighty and Abba Father, we thank You that Your Word says; “whoever believes in [You] will not be disappointed” (Romans 10:11; NASB). Yes, we believe that You alone are God, "the only true God" (John 17:3). We believe also in Your Word, the Bible; the most precious document You have given to mankind.
We are confident that we will not be disappointed
Because of our unwavering belief in You and in Your Word, we are confident that we will not be disappointed. As such, we know that You will most assuredly accomplish what concerns our friends and families and us in September 2023. Indeed, You will also perform what concerns the nation of Israel, Your Church, and Your world in September 2023. To You, O Almighty and Abba Father, be the glory both now and forevermore! And it’s in Jesus’ great and glorious name, we pray. Amen!