Jun 18 - Day 169. God Delights in Mercies.

Welcome to another episode of the EBC’s Prayer Podcast. Our scripture will be taken from Micah 7:18, which reads: “Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever because He delights in mercy.” 

Prayer works. As we pray, let us ask ourselves this question: Who among the gods is like our Lord, who forgives wrongdoing and willingly overlooks the faults of his people? The Lord is expressing compassion and understanding, choosing not to hold onto anger forever, for his greatest joy is to bestow mercy and grace upon us. In his infinite wisdom, he pardons iniquity and forgives the sins of His people.

Today, the Lord is encouraging us to pray. He is offering us hope and reconciliation, demonstrating a love that goes beyond our flaws and shortcomings.

Transcript

Dear Heavenly Father. Our Lord, God, and Savior. Father, there is no one in heaven above or on the earth beneath who can be compared to you. Your greatness is unsearchable, your wisdom is without limit, and your mercy is beyond comprehension. We come before you today with humble hearts, standing in respect of your character, your goodness, and your unfailing love.

Lord, help us to confess and be grateful for your mercy. “Who is a God like you, who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of your heritage? You do not retain your anger forever because you delight in mercy.” 

Father, we often fall short, but we are praying and asking you, please help us not to fall short today. Help us avoid poor choices in our thoughts, words, and actions. Instead of casting us away, you are extending forgiveness to us. Instead of holding onto anger, you are covering us with compassion. Instead of condemning us, you are inviting us to be closer to you. Lord, what kind of love is this that the Creator of all things would stoop down to pardon the brokenness of us, his children?

Lord, thank you for not dealing with us according to what we deserve. For your mercy triumphs over judgment, your anger does not last forever, but your kindness is new every morning. Lord, your mercies are new today, and we are receiving them with grateful hearts.

Lord, you delight in mercy. It is not something you do hesitantly or unwillingly. It brings you great joy to forgive, to restore, and to heal us. So, we are praying and thanking you for who you are. You are slow to anger, abundant in loyal love, rich in kindness, and patient beyond our understanding. Lord, when we stumble, you are quick to extend your hand. When we cry out, you hear our voice. When we run from you, you chase after us with goodness and mercy all the days of our lives.

Father, you are not a God who keeps a record of wrongs, waiting to punish. You are the God who casts our sins into the depths of the sea. You are the God who removes our transgressions as far as the east is from the west. You are the God who clothes us in garments of righteousness, washed and cleansed us by the blood of Jesus Christ.

Lord, help us to live in the light of your truth. Help us not to carry guilt and shame, but help us to remember what you went through on the cross for us. You remind us that where sin abounds, grace abounds much more. Teach us to walk in freedom, not bound by condemnation, but live holy by your Spirit. Heal our hearts where we still feel unworthy. Strengthen our faith where we still struggle to believe in your goodness. Transform our minds so that we can see ourselves as you see us. We are beloved, redeemed, and set apart for you.

Lord, let your mercy soften our hearts. Teach us to forgive others as you have forgiven us. Remove bitterness and anger, fill us with compassion and grace. Just as you overlook our transgressions, grant us the strength to offer kindness even when it is undeserved. Let us be reflections of goodness in a world that longs for mercy.

Father, draw everyone closer to you with cords of love. Remind us daily that you do not delight in punishment but in mercy, and your arms are always open wide. Father, we are praying for those who are hurting, broken, weary, and ashamed. Help everyone to truly encounter you, the God who pardons, the Savior who restores, and the Spirit who comforts.

Lord, remember our families worldwide. You know their names and locations. Please forgive and heal. where anger and hatred have taken root, may Your mercy break through. Where division and strife have prevailed, may Your forgiveness bring healing. Where despair seems overwhelming, may Your compassion speak hope.

Father, we end this prayer with thanksgiving. Acknowledging that there is no God like you. You are holy, you are merciful. You are righteous, you are compassionate. You are just, and you are full of grace. Who is like you, Lord? None compares. We surrender ourselves into your loving hands. Let your mercy flow through us to others. And let us never forget that you, our God, delight in mercy.

We pray all of this in the name of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Amen.

Everyone. Please have a great day, and by God’s grace, we will pray again tomorrow…Bye-bye.