By Joseph Ametepe
Faithful and Forbearing Father, as we enter the new month of March 2023, we declare with the faithful of old; “O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting” (1 Chronicles 16:34). You’ve brought us into the new month of March 2023, all because of Your dealing with us with Your great lovingkindness (see 2 Chronicles 1:8).
We admit to You that February 2023 was a difficult month
Truly, Forbearing Father, we admit to You that February 2023 was a difficult and devastating month for the world. The Russian – Ukraine War intensified and entered its second year. Not only that, on February 6, 2023, the world was rocked by a devastating earthquake that resulted in a death toll surpassing 50,000 people in Turkey and Syria. Furthermore, it injured thousands more. In fact, all-knowing God, You know more about all the details of the devastation than we do.
We were at our wits end
Indeed, we were at our wits end. All hope seemed to have been lost. But Faithful Father, You came through for us. Despite the devastation and the despair we experienced in February 2023, You did not fail us nor forsake us. Rather, You faithfully reminded us in a powerful way, that You’ll assuredly bring human history to an end exactly as You’ve predicted in Your Holy Word.
You want to awaken our consciences
In fact, Father, the earthquake in Turkey and Syria and the Russian – Ukraine War are some of the signs of the end of the age. Our Lord Jesus Himself predicted that wars, famines and earthquakes are signs of His coming and the end of the age (see Matthew 24:3-8). Heavenly Father, even though these are terrifying events for us to experience, You want them to awaken our consciences. This is because You do not want us to continue to think that things will remain just as they are without Your divine intervention. You will indeed intervene in human history on earth in order to accomplish Your divine purposes. You will not and cannot fail in this.
A revival started on February 8, 2023
While the world was reeling from the death and devastation caused by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, a revival started on February 8, 2023 at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky. Although, the gathering for public worship ended on February 23, 2023, the spirit of the service continues. We thank You Lord for breathing upon Your people new life in the midst of death and destruction. You know that Your people desperately need revival. It is therefore our prayer, that Your Holy Spirit will continue to fan the flames of revival to sweep through the nations. Yes, revival comes from You. That’s why the psalmist earnestly beseeched You. “Will You not Yourself revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?” (Psalm 85:6).
Revival comes from You
Because revival comes from You, and that You will assuredly bring human history to end, we humbly and heartily dedicate March 2023 to You, Lord. You know its end from its beginning. Moreover, nothing that occurs in March 2023 will surprise You. We may be greatly surprised by the events that will be unfolding in March 2023. In fact, Father, as far as You are concerned, only what You ordained in Your eternal counsel will happen in March 2023.
Faithful Father, accomplish what concerns our families
Therefore, Faithful Father, please accomplish what concerns our families, friends, fellow-believers and us in March 2023. Also, Holy One of Israel, carry out Your eternal plans and purposes for the nation of Israel – Your cherished and chosen people, in March 2023. Please, Lord and Leader of the Church, perform what concerns the Church – Your consecrated and called-out people, in such a time as this. Furthermore, bring to pass all that You have appointed for Your world – made up of all the nations and the lands You have created under the heavens.
You, Loving Father, are in control of all things
Since, You, loving Father, are in control of all things, both in the spiritual and physical realms, enable us by Your Spirit, to trust in Him! Thirst and hunger for more of You in our lives! Turn to You in believing prayer in times of crisis (see 2 Chronicles 14:9-15; 20:1-13; 32:20-23)! Tremble at Your word (see Ezra 9:4; 10:3)! Take You at Your word, for You always keep Your word to us! Treasure the time we spend in Your presence to worship You and to wait on You to direct us into Your path and purpose.
By Your Holy Spirit, enable us to think Your thoughts
Yes, by Your Holy Spirit, enable us to think Your thoughts, for as a man thinks, so he is (see Proverbs 23:7)! Tell of Your goodness and grace that You lavish upon us, as well as tell of Your glory among the nations (see 1 Chronicles 16:24a)! Also, empower us by Your Spirit, to thank You always in everything, for this is Your will for us in Christ Jesus (see 1 Thessalonians 5:18)!
We earnestly beseech You, Father
Also, we earnestly beseech You, Father, revive Your Church (see Psalm 85:6) and redeem lost souls in such a time as this! Reveal more of Yourself to us in these days! Remember us, and act graciously on our behalf even as You did in the days of old (see Genesis 8:1; 30:22; 1 Samuel 1:19)! O Lord, restore to us the years that the locust has eaten (see Joel 2:25)! Yes, Father, restore our souls and lead us in paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake (see Psalm 23:3), even in such a time as this!
Dear Lord, we call upon You to rescue us
Moreover, dear Lord, we call upon You to rescue us out of the lion’s mouth (see 2 Timothy 4:17b)! Rescue us also from every evil deed and bring us safely to Your heavenly kingdom (see 2 Timothy 4:18)! Rebuild the ruins in our lives (see Amos 9:11)! Please Father, relent and turn away from Your burning anger against us when we repent of our sins (see Jonah 3:9-10)! Above all, renew first our love for You (see Revelation 2:3-4)! Also, renew our strength in You as we wait for You (see Isaiah 40:31) in such a time as this!
Faithful Father, we confess that we desperately need You
Truly, faithful Father, we confess that we desperately need You. For You are the only One who can meet all our needs; whether they be spiritual, physical, political, financial, emotional, or relational. You have proven Yourself as the most reliable and resourceful Person to take care of all our needs, both in this life and in the life soon to come.
O Lord, hear our prayers
Therefore, O Lord, hear our prayers! Hold us close to Your heart in the new month of March 2023 and beyond! Help us accomplish the work You have given us, for Your work is accomplished with Your help (see Nehemiah 6:16)! Especially, the work of spreading the good news to a lost and dying world in our generation! For You are not wishing for any to perish, but that all should come to repentance (see 2 Peter 3:9b). Therefore, grant us success in spreading the good news and seeing many lost souls brought to repentance and salvation by faith alone in Christ alone!
Father, to You, we present all these prayers
O, our Father, to You, we present all these prayers. We know that Your ears are attentive to the prayer of the righteous (see 1 Peter 3:12). Thank You for making Christ who knew no sin to be sin our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (see 2 Corinthians 5:21). Through faith in Jesus, You have clothed us with the righteousness of Christ. It’s in Christ’s righteousness that we stand to make our requests known to You today! “To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18b)!