Jun 28 - Day 179. The Lord is our God.

Welcome to another episode of the EBC’s Prayer Podcast. Our scripture will be taken from Zechariah 13:9, and it reads: “I will bring the third part through the fire, will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God.” 

The Lord is our God. He promises to guide us through the trials of fire; He will purify us just as silver is purified and test us with the same accuracy as gold is tested. In our moments of need, we can call upon him, and he will respond with open ears and a compassionate heart. 

As we pray, let us remember that we are his people, and we need to acknowledge him. He is the Lord our God.

Transcript

Dear Heavenly Father. Our Lord, God, and Savior. Father, thank you for this precious moment to come together in prayer. We come before you with open hearts, recognizing the power of your Word. “You will bring the third part through the fire, you will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on your name, and you will hear them: you will say, these are my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God.”

Lord, we acknowledge that you are the refiner, the one who takes us as we are and shapes us into vessels fit for your glory. Lord, forgive us and help us. At times, we resist the fire of testing. We want comfort, we long for ease, but you are reminding us that it is in the fire where the impurities are removed, and it is in the fire that our faith becomes honest and strong. 

Lord, today we are surrendering ourselves to your transformative work, inviting you to refine us like precious metal in a blazing heat. Burn away everything that does not bring you honor, the fears that hold us tightly, our pride that stands in the way, our self-reliance that strives for control, and the hidden sins that cloud our path and prevent us from walking in spiritual alignment with you.

Gracious God, thank you for the profound promise that even in the burning flames, we are never alone. When we call upon your holy name, you listen; you are not a distant observer, but a compassionate presence that is ever nearby. You hear our innermost thoughts, the cries of our spirits, and the heartfelt prayers we cannot articulate. Teach us to trust you fully, especially when the heat intensifies and the trials become overwhelming. Lord, you are refining us, shaping us for a greater purpose, not destroying us. You are purifying our souls, not punishing us for our flaws.

Father, likes silver undergoing the purifying process. We are praying and asking you to refine our faith, stripping away impurities out of our lives and draw us closer to you. Help us to stand faithful when doubts and uncertainties arise. Just as the refined silver reflects the face of the refiner, may our lives mirror your light, so other can see you, as you work within us. 

Lord, as gold is tested by fire, strengthen us with perseverance so that we can radiate the enduring beauty of your holiness. You have assured us that you will claim us as your own. We are your people. Grant us the grace to pray with gratitude, for you are our steadfast God. You are our God for all eternity. In the valleys of despair and on the mountaintops of joy, in our moments of sorrow and in times of joy, in our weakness and in our strength. 

Father, we are asking for your mercy upon those who are enduring their own trials right now. For the one who is grieving, transform their sorrow into a beacon of hope. For the one battling illness, let their pain become a foundation for deeper trust in you. For the one grappling with financial hardship, refine their dependence into an unshakable faith in your ever-abundant provision. For the one who feels forgotten and alone, reassure them of your attentive ear and that they are truly yours, cherished and beloved in your sight.

Lord, grant us the courage to perceive our trials not as burdens, but as profound opportunities for transformation. May we embrace the journey with open hearts, understanding that through these challenges, you are crafting in us something of immeasurable and eternal worth. Strengthen our spirits to stand firm, to endure with grace, and to place our trust in you, even when the full picture remains shrouded in mystery.

Father, empower us to uplift one another as we undergo this refining process. Let us set aside judgment during each other's struggles and instead walk beside one another with unwavering compassion, boundless patience, and steadfast love. May we continually remind each other that while the heat of the fire may be intense, it is not everlasting; the fruits borne from the flames will endure for all time.

Lord, may our lives reflect your glory in every moment. As we rise from the trials of refinement, let us carry with us the profound truth that whenever we called upon your name, you responded with love. We are your cherished people, and you are our steadfast God.

Lord, thank you for loving us enough to lead us through the refining fire, for dedicating yourself to us as your own, and for responding to our prayers with grace. Keep us anchored in our faithfulness to you, and may our hearts forever recognize that you are our God, now and always.

We pray all of this in the precious, holy name of Jesus Christ…Amen.

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