“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 NKJV
Now to Him … the focus of our 2022 National Day of Prayer, was HIM. Together, we gathered to EXALT THE LORD by the millions – from ‘prayer flights’ over state capitals to gatherings in capital rotundas, we entered boldly into the throne of Grace, where we cried out, interceded, prayed and made petitions to HIM WHO IS ABLE! We paused, praised and exalted HIM WHO IS ABLE – able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.
If we believe what God’s Word says here, NOW we can all wait in joyful hope and expectation of WHAT HE IS NOW GOING TO DO! We’ve cried out as the Holy Spirit has given us utterance, all the while, keeping in mind, that God does not move at our commands, but our hearts move with His heart, and He is working and willing for HIS good pleasure in our lives, our communities, and in our country. We TRUST IN HIM! Knowing Isaiah 55:8-9 helps us to adjust our expectations, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” We TRUST IN HIM COMPLETELY knowing that HIS answers to our prayers will be EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANTLY ABOVE all that we’ve asked or imagined!
Mark recounted for our benefit, what it was like when Jesus entered into their world. He did things that were way beyond their expectations! I’m guessing that these same people had prayed, asked God to answer their prayers. But, I’m also guessing that they really didn’t expect the responses that they got from Him. In fact, from Mark’s account, they were exceedingly abundantly above anything that any of them had asked or imagined! “And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He makes both the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.” (Mark 7:37 NKJV). Are we ready for what HE IS GOING TO DO NOW? Are we ready for the exceeding abundant? Are we ready for HIM to do things that are BEYOND what we've asked or imagined? Are we ready for an astonishing visit from HIM in our lives, our families, our churches, our communities, and our nation? Are we ready for HIM to answer our prayers – for His kingdom to come and His will be done?
“Four things let us ever keep in mind: God hears prayer, God heeds prayer, God answers prayer, and God delivers by prayer.” E.M. Bounds
Let’s pray – Father God, we exalt You and we turn our eyes and our hearts toward You, waiting in joyful hope and anticipation of what You are now going to do in our world. We are waiting patiently on You O Lord, and you are inclining to us and hearing our cries. Now O Lord, DO! Come and do exceedingly abundantly above all that we’ve asked or imagined! Come and astonish us beyond measure! Come and do all things well as You will and work according to Your good pleasure in our lives! We love You! We trust You, and we wait for You! In Jesus, precious and powerful Name, amen!
Rejoicing in Hope!
Romans 12:12
Dion Elmore
Vice President, National Day of Prayer Task Force