I have been in seclusion all day and have been sitting in the presence of the Lord. I’m working on some theology courses that I’m taking and preparing some that I will be teaching. What I want to say to somebody out there is this. Even in our quiet time with God it’s not easy to stay focused. The world is full of so much distraction and so much allurement. The phones call you, the texts call you, the television calls you, the emails call you, all of the social media calls… you, as well as your own flesh, away from that private and intimate time that we all need with God.
We’re living at an hour where those who speak for God must clearly hear from God. We’ve got to find that quiet place. We have to find that secret place. We need a place where nothing and no one interferes with the download that God is trying to put into us for his people and for the world.
I wonder how many of you will agree with me in this prayer? With tears in my eyes this is my prayer.
Father God, you are the creator of heaven and earth. Your voice is how you lead your people. Help us to hear your voice above all other voices in the world. Help us to stay focused on you and resist all other distractions that come to interfere with our communication with you. Lord, we need direction, protection and your divine intervention in the things that are going on in this world. Please speak to us so that we can speak to your people. We don’t want to talk to the people without first talking to you. We bind every evil and wicked thought, spirit and act that would try and cluttered your voice and make us miss the mark. Help us to walk in your truth and live by your word and demonstrate your holiness in this earth. You have brought us out. Now heavenly Father, take us in. We don’t want to wallow in our sins and fight the deeds of the flesh for the rest of our lives. We walk to walk in victory and demonstrate our victory over sin and it’s power. Help us to help others during these holiday seasons. Help us not to be carnal minded and worldly throughout the season of Thanksgiving for all you have done. How us not to merchandise the birth of your son Jesus by wasting kingdom money on foolish, unwanted, unappreciated gifts to unappreciative people that don’t even worship our God. Help us not to be depressed or discourage during this season of joy and jubilation. We call on the power of the cross to overcome every work of the devil. This is our prayer. Help us Lord, In JESUS NAME. Amen.
—Bishop Vaughn McLaughlin