DO YOU SEE THE RESULTS OF SIN IN YOUR CHURCH?

Today's promise: God is always willing to forgive us

Do you see the results of sin in your church?

O our God, hear your servant's prayer! Listen as I plead. For your own sake, Lord, smile again on your desolate sanctuary.

O my God, listen to me and hear my request. Open your eyes and see our wretchedness. See how your city lies in ruins — for everyone knows that it is yours. We do not ask because we deserve help, but because you are so merciful.

O Lord, hear. O Lord, forgive. O Lord, list and act! For your own sake, O my God, do not delay, for your people and your city bear your name.

Daniel 9:17-19 NLT

The desolate sanctuary

Most of us can think of one or two "inherited consequences" in our lives. Others may have made bad decisions, but we seem to be suffering the results. This is what Daniel was experiencing in Babylon. He knew he was there because his nation was being punished for generations of sinfulness. So he prayed for his people — God's people. From the land of punishment, he begged the Lord for forgiveness. His plea for mercy was based solely on God's compassionate character.

The Lord still disciplines his people when they refuse to walk in his ways, only now God's people are the church rather than an actual nation. Do you see the results of sin in your church? Spend some time today praying for the Lord's forgiveness and guidance.

Dear Lord, for your own sake, smile again on your desolate sanctuary…

adapted from The One Year® Book of Bible Prayers edited by Bruce Barton, Tyndale House Publishers (2000), entry for March 22

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House