11/15/2020 Prayer

Can you discern facts from opinion?
Romans 14:1 – As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.
Issues or opinions? The nation—and perhaps the whole planet—is fractured, and it is happening because of opinions. Based on opinions in common, groups come together giving its members a sense of belonging that psychologists are calling tribalism. Those tribal divides are in every corner of American society today. Yet, most Americans—regardless of their opinions—can agree on what the real issues are, like defeat the virus, restore the economy, live in harmony with each other.
Cross-check your own opinions today to make sure they conform with God’s Word and His standards. Recognize that, even though your opinion may differ from your neighbor’s, both of you are entitled to hold them. But take the time to listen to one another and look deeper for the real issue. Do as God instructed and don’t let your opinions be a stumbling block or a hindrance for someone else. Be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, and be a source of love toward others in your words and actions.
God, You are so patient with us. You see the quarrels and the dividing opinions among us, and yet You gently tell us to be slow to speak but quick to listen. It reminds me of what my mother used to tell me about having two ears and one mouth, and how to use them with those numbers in mind. Help me today to be more willing to look for the deeper issues and not to settle for just my own self-established opinion or the opinions I’m hearing from others.  Drive me to the places in Your Word where my opinions might need correcting, for I desire to always be transformed by Your Spirit. In Jesus Name, I pray, Amen.

• Seek discernment to be able to identify opinions from real issues.
• Ask for the help of the Holy Spirit as you cross-check your own opinions to make sure they do not contravene the Word of God.
• Ask for grace to be willing to hear the opinions of others without anger.
• Ask God to guide your words and the things that you do, so that in all ways you might glorify Him.
• Pray for courage in the halls of Congress to address the real issues, not just current opinions.
• For rest and encouragement for the president and first lady today.
• For wisdom for the president and administration officials as they work to improve the education system and the availability of choice in schooling for Americans.
• For God to be at work through the president as he prepares for the week ahead.