Daily Devotions - Prayers of Restoration

2 Corinthians 13 (NIV)
Final Warnings
13 This will be my third visit to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” 2 I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent: On my return, I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others, 3 since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. 4 For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power, we will live with him in our dealing with you. 5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? 6 And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. 7 Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong—not so that people will see that we have stood the test but so that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. 8 For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. 9 We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong, and our prayer is that you may be fully restored. 10 This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.

Final Greetings
11 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13 All God’s people here send their greetings. 14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

 

How can others pray for you and encourage you?

 

Mighty God, You can do all things. The past year has been a painful one. In Romans 8:28, You promise that in all things You work for the good of those who love You, who have been called according to Your purpose. I believe Your Word, that somehow, You will use the events of this 2020 and continuing in 2021 for Your glory. You were crucified in weakness, but out of that came Your resurrection and my salvation. I am weak, but by Your power, I will live with You to deal with whatever adversity that I face. Help me to examine myself to see whether I am in the faith. Restore my faith, increase my trust and call me according to Your purpose. When I feel weak, let me find Your strength.  Where there is destruction let there be restoration. Through deceit let us find Your truth. Let restrictions and tyranny give way to true freedom. Where we are quiet and meek, let us stand strong to praise and worship You. Lord, I would be greatly encouraged to see the full restoration of Your church and of all Christians during this time of illness and discord. I pray that the family of Christ raises up to encourage one another, be of one mind and live in peace. I pray that my soul is refreshed by the revival of faith that will well up in this country. I will be encouraged when we stand in unity against evil and for the innocent through action and love. I will be refreshed when Your values are renewed and relationships are restored and You are glorified over all the earth. I pray that Your love and peace will be shared with all people. To You be the glory, honor, and praise now, and for all eternity. Amen