There was a moment in Saul’s life where he needed a Damascus experience. He thought he was doing a good thing for God but he really wasn’t. He was just doing his own thing. He was traveling down a selfish road until he collided with the One who knows all. He met Jesus.
It went something like this…
Saul’s Conversion
Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.
Acts of the Apostles 9:1-9 [New International Version]
So here goes a late night prayer for us:
Dear God,
Our written prayer here today. This is an acknowledgement that we know we can do better. We can do more. In a place of prayer and supplication. Where it all takes place for us. A place of fasting –that’s tough. A place of consecration and a place where we are in Your very presence. Right NOW there’s a lot to pray through! Situations that take place at home, for work and even for church. We pray that the hearts of Your people fully turn toward You in every way. A heart and burden to serve. To be compelled, committed and a fight for our faith and future so that we stay grounded. Let us last in love. May our hearts come to remain faithful in all that we do and not be pulled towards the ways of this world. Let our NOW be a conversion of our ways. A conversion just like a Damascus experience where we fully yield, surrender, submit and serve You– not like the way we see as best, like Saul did but how You see as best. Saul thought he was doing you right! Lead us down our Damascus. Where we recognize – it’s not about what we think but what You think God. Lead us God down that road to real sacrificial success!
We need You.
We need help.
We need each other.
We need prayer!
Soften our hearts. Invigorate our minds.
TRANSFORM PERPECTIVE so it’s right! So its godly! That we know its not about fun and games but about faith and grace! Fix us so we can be fixated on You. Let that pull towards You be highlighted before us. In our sleep –thoughts –hearts –ways –speech –works!
In all things God, that we permeate what’s Yours and not ours!
Fix those that strayed in any way, shape or form. God, may You open our eyes so that we know its not just about church but about community and unity! It is the togetherness that we need just like the book of Acts. In the good times and through the bad, let us connect and stay strong as a body of Christ that glorifies Your holy Name!
We put our trust in You God. Where it all takes place.
In You. In prayer!
In Jesus Name we pray.
AMEN!
