Praying Out of Brokenness (Daniel 9:1-3; Psalm 5:1-3)

by Pastor Cesar Crisostomo |  March 11, 2018
Praying Out of Brokenness
Daniel 9:1-3; Psalm 5:1-3
 
During one of Israel’s time of national troubles, hardship and brokenness, Daniel sought the Lord by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth and ashes (Daniel 9:3). He drew near to God in prayer worshipfully, earnestly, wholeheartedly, confidently and with a pure heart. While he was praying, confessing his sin and the sin of the people of Israel and making his request known, God did not delay, and an answer was given – insight and understanding was given (Daniel 9:20-23).
 
We all experience in life a time of deep pain of brokenness. We come to a place where there is no place to go, there is no place to turn, there is no hope, and facing the impossible. In times like this there is a sense of fear, hurt, loneliness and even sorrow. Our time of brokenness and challenges may have been a result from a loss in relationship, abandonment, betrayal and at times from our own sin and rebellion against God. No matter the source, the pain you feel that is associated with the brokenness seems more than you can handle.
 
We need to continue to learn to worship and pray wholeheartedly in the face of brokenness. It is vital that through prayer we declare the truth of the Word of God, His plan, blessing, encouragement and His will to be done. When we continue to pray even amidst our brokenness, our prayers will turn into praise (Psalm 30:11). It is important that we begin to worship God for who He is and thank Him for the opportunity to trust and depend on Him in our time of difficulties.
 
Familia, we need to pray with the hope and confidence that God will show up and will do something. When we don’t have this expectation then our prayer becomes labor intensive and we resort to fulfilling our needs ourselves. At this point we burn out and the joy of prayer lifts.
 
When I pray:
  • Psalm 5:1-3 “Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament. Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.”
 
  1. I can expect that God will be with me.
    • John 14:18 “I will not leave you as orphans [comfortless, bereaved, and helpless]; I will come [back] to you.: (AMP)
    • Psalm 34:17-18 “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (NIV)
    • No matter how hard the situation, Jesus promises to come to us with His love, grace and healing.
      • Isaiah 61:1 “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners…” (NIV)
      • Psalm 147:3 “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [healing their pain and comforting their sorrow].” (AMP)
    • When I believe that God will show up, that expectant attitude will change everything. It changes me, my attitude.
 
  1. I can expect to be empowered by God.
    • We can’t live life on our own strength or strategy, but only through Christ Jesus.
      •  Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
      • Zechariah 4:6 “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.”
      • Romans 8:26-39.
 
  1. I can expect that God will make a way out.
    • Isaiah 43:19 “Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert.” (NASB)
    • Psalm 5:11-12 “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.” (NIV)
    • 1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (NIV)
    • God will show up and He will make His presence known by bringing the evidence of heaven down on earth. He always has a remedy and always makes a way.
 
  1. I can expect to be covered by God’s protection. (Psalm 91; Isaiah 54:17)
 
Pray and declare God’s outcome during time of brokenness and challenges and leave the result to Him. In brokenness of life it is easy to lose sight of God. Therefore, we must run to our prayer time with God and embrace something new and fresh that He will give. Expect that He will breathe life into situations of brokenness that appear to be hopeless and impossible.
 
Question:  How many of us truly want the outpouring of God in our lives, in our family, in our church and in our island? If you and I do, then we need to gather together in surrender to God, praying together and believing in faith for God’s blessings.