On this Pentecost Sunday/Global Day of Prayer, Faith and I decided to drag ourselves out of bed bright and early to join some other churches for corporate prayer. As one whose personal prayer has been about as frequent as the Texas rains, the time this morning with strangers and friends alike was a much-needed boost.

It brought to mind the needs of specific people around the world who were once at the forefront of my prayer life: Haiti, the Uygurs, the poor in Waco, the Church, etc.

As I've fallen short these past weeks, may God's Spirit fall on me this Pentecost Sunday--so that I stand convicted but forgiven...shamed but driven.

May prayer become me.

A prayer for this day:

Father of mercy and grace
We acknowledge that we have sinned
and that our world is gripped by the power of sin.

Our hearts are grieved by injustice, hatred, anger and violence.

We are shamed by the oppression, racism and bloodshed in our land.

We weep because of the loss of innocent life
in war and terrorism, abortion, persecution and senseless murders.

Our hearts are broken by every rejection of Christ as Lord and Saviour.

As we stand before You, we know that Your gaze beholds all things.

Our homes are broken by selfishness and immorality.

Our lives are polluted by greed, idolatry and sexual sin.

Our churches are divided by rebellious pride.

All the sins that we may find in our world, You have found among Your people.

We have grieved Your heart and brought shame to Your Name.

We approach Your throne of grace in this hour of need.

We ask for Your mercy and Your help to truly repent.



God of mercy, pour out Your grace. Forgive our sins. Heal our land.