1Kings 2; Galatians 6; Ezekiel 33; Psalms 81,82

prayer arising:

Lord, I see a lot of contrasts in Your word this morning - carry each other's burdens; carry your own loads - sowing to please the sinful nature; soing to please the Spirit - avoiding the cross; persecution because of the cross - mouths expressing devotion; hearts greedy for unjust gain - enthusiastic praise; remembering our failures - those in authority being judged in how they care about the weak, powerless, oppressed and needy. A king firmly establishing himself with violence that I can set as a picture of the battle in my soul but which remains in truth a catalogue of violence.

Father, lead me in Christ to sow to Your Spirit - I am all of these contrasts. I pray simply that when it is difficult to do good, give me the strength to persevere and to sow to Your Spirit, being healed from the condemnation in these contrasts.

Instruct me in how to sing with a prophetic incisive voice, carrying the burdens of others.

Amen