This resolution of Daily United Prayer is based on An Humble Attempt, originally put forward by Jonathan Edwards in 1748. Its design is to encourage God's people in the duty of united extraordinary prayer; setting aside some time every day to pray for the revival of His church and the advancement of Christ's kingdom in our homes, in our churches, in our nation, and in the world.
"And they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said unto them: and when he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived." Genesis 45:27.
Can you imagine the scene? Jacob is anxiously awaiting the return of his sons from Egypt as he sits alone and hungry in the midst of a famine. Off in the distance, he sees the caravan coming and certain of his sons running ahead, shouting out the news that Joseph was still alive. You can just hear the excitement as they all clammer to speak and tell their father Jacob of their extraordinary experience. However, it's met with incredulity as you can imagine. It's simply too good to be true. Joseph is alive? And he's the governor over all the land of Egypt? I don't believe it. It's not possible. But is this not how we often react to the great and glorious promises of God that we see throughout Scripture?
"And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest." Hebrews 8:11. (Imagine, everyone in your school or workplace knowing the Lord).
"For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts." Malachi 1:11. (Imagine, even the farthest corner of the globe, men and women gathering together to pray).
"And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." John 14:13. (Imagine, our prayer meetings being met with answer after answer).
Too good to be true? Do we really believe these words? We could go on. The Bible is replete with such extravagant promises that may cause us to react as Jacob reacted in Genesis 45:25, "And Jacob's heart fainted, for he believed them not." So what was it that brought Jacob from a fainting heart of unbelief to a revived heart of faith? It was when he saw the wagons laden with garments, silver, corn, bread, meat, and other "good things of Egypt" (Genesis 45:22-23). The Bible says that, "when he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived." He was able to get a foretaste of the truthfulness of his sons' words. It wasn't the full experience yet, but just enough to revive his fainting spirit and commence the big journey to Egypt.
The Psalmist prayed, "Shew me a token for good" (Psalm 86:17). Sometimes, when our faith is flagging and our spirits fainting, what we need is for the Lord to show us a TOKEN—just a token—for good. Perhaps a soul saved. A door opened. A prayer answered. Let's pray, friends. Let's pray that the Lord will revive our spirits and strengthen our faith by giving us even just a glimpse of the full answer—a foretaste of glory divine!
DAILY UNITED PRAYER unitedprayer.net
Mon-Fri @ 12pm EDT // Sat @ 10am EDT
We invite you to join our dedicated and earnest group of praying participants of all ages from around the world that meet every day over Zoom to pray. At the start of each prayer call, a different individual will bring a brief Scriptural meditation. Here's the most recent:
