Prayers For Christmas 2017

Who Do You Say That He Is?

A King born in a manger. The King of Kings, in fact. With angelic fanfare before shepherds on lonely hillsides, he came into this world virtually incognito. We read the story of His birth annually, but how often do we really stop and think about it? Do we sit and ponder the total lack of hoopla, when we live in a world where being known is important? Do we daydream about the rejection He suffered, both at His birth and throughout His life, right up to the end? Do we understand at all why God chose to introduce Himself to us like this – as a suffering servant rejected of men. Can you relate to Him? If someone were to ask you who He is, what would you say?

“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’ They replied, ‘Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ ‘But what about you?’ he asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’” (Matthew 16:13-15; NIV)

• What of Jesus’ humanity can you relate to? Don’t get religious. Stay real. Is it His joy, His rejection, His freedom, His persecution, His wisdom, His humility, or something else? Is it the fact that no one really understood Him? How about the fact that the Bible says He was really pretty ordinary in looks and occupation? Read His Word and find it.

• Now, ask Him for a divine exchange this Christmas. He became human so we could have a relationship with Him while still clothed in our humanity. Ask Him to exchange His wisdom for your constant mistakes. Ask Him for humility in place of pride, or His contentment with not being the center of attention, unless the Father wanted Him there. Ask Him for rich blessings, freedom from sin and addiction, or for His love, acceptance, and sense of adoption. This is His Christmas gift to you. Let His Word speak to you.

• “Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’” Stop and think about why Peter answered this way. Was it the miracles He performed, His profound teaching, or pure revelation? When God asks you, “Who do you say that I am?” ask Him to reveal Himself to you in a new way.

• Ask God to show You who He is revealing Himself to be to Huntsville/Madison County and this nation right now. Intercede for our city and America to see Him as He is.

A prayer you can pray:

Father, reveal Your Son to me in a new way. I can relate to Jesus’ humanity in that He was (See the examples above and fill in the blank.) I’m so glad You wrote about this in Your Word. He was like me, but He did not sin. Exchange (list an area you struggle in, such as pride or some area addiction, needing attention or feeling rejected) for wholeness, love and acceptance. I’ll sit here and let the revelation sink in. I want to be changed in Your Presence. I receive Your Christmas gift to me. Show me how You are revealing Yourself to  our city and this nation right now. Help us to realize this, Jesus! Help us to see You. Amen.

Today’s decree:

I decree that God is revealing Himself to America,  and our nation shall be changed!