Reflections in Prayer for All Nations
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JANUARY 1
A CONVINCING ARGUMENT
“If we believe not, yet He abideth faithful: He cannot deny Himself. Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about the words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers” (2 Timothy 2:13-14 King James Version).
Quite often my Christian brothers and sisters engage themselves in very convincing, verbose and energetic arguments with unbelievers regarding the sovereignty of our Lord Jesus Christ. However, more often than not, these passionate verbal exchanges prove futile, and that time which should be spent in action, is spent, instead, on words.
I believe that there is no better or more convincing argument than that of the exemplary lifestyle of the believer, which evidences love, peace, joy, patience, wisdom, unity, signs and wonders, and frankly, all the divine attributes of Jesus himself.
If we resolve daily to allow Jesus to be Himself in us, rather than try to prove His existence in arguments, we will meet with unlimited success.
Eternal Father, mold our character to be a perfect reflection of You, no matter how humbling or painful it may be. Teach us the discipline required to truly love our brothers and sisters, so that others may know we are indeed Your disciples because of our mindful love, which will become contagious in our nation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
JANUARY 2
GREAT IS OUR GOD
“…For great is our God above all gods; but who is able to build him a house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him?” (2 Chronicles 2:5b & 6a KJV).
Solomon had been commissioned to build a temple for God; however, he was humbled when he realized that the God he served cannot be contained in a building made by men’s hands. Although no expense was spared on materials and the most skilled workmen in their various specialties were employed, Solomon, being king, still lamented: “who am I that I should Him a house?” Are we guilty of believing that God’s presence can only be confined to the building we erect no matter how humble or grand?
The truth is, God is omnipresent, He is everywhere simultaneously, He can be found in the hearts of those who sincerely seek Him whether in the remotest part of the earth or in the busiest city. Not only is God omnipresent but He is also omnipotent, all powerful. God is Elohim, the creator of us all and all of creation. God is omniscient, all knowledge and wisdom is contained in Him. Psalm 105:7 tells us that He is God, our God in charge of the whole earth. If then God is omnipresent, omnipotent, Elohim and omniscient, how can we relegate Him to a mere building, denomination or culture? His eyes continue to go to and fro over the whole earth that He may be strong on behalf of those whose hearts diligently and sincerely seek Him. The keys to unleashing God’s presence and power are: 1) to seek Him with all our hearts (prayer). 2) To worship Him in spirit and in truth (holy lifestyle). 3) To obey His commandments (submission).
Eternal Father, today as a nation we declare Your greatness and we acknowledge You as the God above all gods. We patiently wait for the manifestation of Your glory and deliverance. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
JANUARY 3
KEEP PRAYING
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:18New International Version).
This time of year is usually a time of reflection over the past year and resolutions for the coming year. May I suggest that among our resolutions, taking priority should be our resolve to intensify and continue praying. There are six types of prayers, namely: (1) the prayer of agreement; (2) the prayer or petition; (3) the prayer of thanksgiving; (4) the prayer of intercession; (5) the prayer of commitment and (6) the prayer of consecration.
Today we will examine the prayer of agreement. Let us use as a reference, Matthew 18:19 which says “If two of you … agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father”. When we come up against challenges that we find too big to handle on our own, we should find a prayer partner or partners with whom we can pray harmoniously and in agreement.
God has committed to honour our prayers as long as they are not in contradiction to His word. This type of prayer is not silent but should be prayed within the hearing and understanding of each party. We must not pray simultaneously but rather take turns, however, we must pray in agreement with the common subject matter.
Eternal Father, today we pray in agreement with our brothers and sisters that as we humble ourselves, seek Your face and turn from our wicked ways, You would honour our prayers, forgive our sin and heal our land, this beautiful nation – land we love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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About the Book
Rev. Celta Kirkland’s easy-to-use daily devotional is just what today’s world needs! Prayer from a right attitude can provoke positive changes in our lives, the lives of those around us, and even in our nations!
Are you struggling with issues of faith, your attitude and relationship with God, and the challenges of everyday life? Do you feel burdened by the responsibility of effectively praying for your community, your leaders, and your nation? Are you looking for practical, spiritually-sound, biblical perspectives on issues facing our world today? Reflections in Prayer for All Nations is the devotional for you.
This book is a powerful, unique daily devotional that offers solid, practical insight and true wisdom shared from the loving heart of a shepherd and intercessor. Written from Rev. Celta Kirkland’s real-life experiences and her more than forty years as a born-again believer, pastor, and counselor, this devotional presents each day’s subject, Scripture, practical examples, and prayer to help you grow and inspire you to reach out to others. It will give you strength in your own daily walk with God and remind you that you are not alone in your struggles. At the same time, it emphasizes the importance of effectively praying for your nation.
Reflections in Prayer for All Nations was written for such a time as this–when nations are in the turmoil of civil unrest, corruption, immorality and spiritual bankruptcy. This book is dedicated to all people of all nations: may it offer inspiration, encouragement and hope.
“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16, KJV).
About the Author
This daily devotional is dedicated to all people of all nations, offering spiritual inspiration, encouragement and hope.
Reverend Celta Kirkland is an ordained Minister of the Gospel and a respected Prayer Facilitator in her homeland, the Caribbean island of Jamaica. She authored a column “Reflections In Prayer”, in the daily newspaper, the Jamaica Observer for six years and received acclaim from readers around the world. With a collection of hundreds of columns, she has been called by God – and encouraged by many readers – to publish them in this Daily Devotional, Reflections In Prayer For All Nations. “I have always wanted to contribute to the Body of Christ,” she says, “by encouraging others in their daily walk with Him.”
A committed Christian since 1979, Rev. Kirkland has been involved in ministry in the United States (where she lived for nearly 40 years) and in Jamaica, working with displaced youth and counseling families in crisis. She served as Family Counselor for the Missing Children’s Support Program of Jamaica’s leading child advocacy organization, Hear the Children’s Cry. She also operated a children’s ministry in her home for many years. She continues to serve as a valued advisor to families, media resource person, and as an active Prayer Counselor. She loves gardening, cooking, writing and reading.
Celta Kirkland was born in the seaside town of Port Maria, St. Mary, Jamaica, on November 3, 1940. She migrated to the US in 1963, where she worked as a registered nurse, an operating theatre specialist in neurosurgery and gynecology, and a nursing instructor. She returned to Jamaica in 2002, in answer to a call from God to pray for the land of her birth. Rev. Kirkland is the devoted mother of one son and daughter in ‘love’ (Don and Rachel) and grandmother to Victoria, Chase and Alexandra.