A Prayer about a Fresh Encounter with God’s Favor
The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. (Luke 4:18–19 NIV)
Jesus, I know this passage very well, but today I feel my need for these truths in a desperate way. I’m zeroing in on the promise of God’s favor, which you proclaim. Several things have converged in the past few days that make me feel like the banner flying over my head isn’t love (Song of Sol. 2:4) but disfavor . . . failure . . . unwanted.
You’ve taught me in the past about the importance of stewarding my emotions— that is, about not reacting to difficult people with fear and anger but responding to them with listening and grace. Jesus, all of that just flew out the window yesterday, and I’m coming to you now in brokenness and sadness. I’m not proud of the way I acted, but I don’t want to settle down into a pity party or a blamefest.
I’m a poor man in need of the Good News today, Jesus. I need you to proclaim freedom for my worn down, weary heart. I need you to open my eyes to see the gospel today as though I were seeing it for the very first time. I need release from the oppression of my introspection and the condemnation of Satan.
Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit, proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor to my heart today, in this moment. I can explain this great truth to others, but right now I need to know it for myself. My theology is not in doubt, but my doxology is sucking wind. Wrap the good news of my justification around my heart all over again. The favor of people was never enough, and it never will be. Bring me the peace of knowing God’s favor is resting on me, only because of you. I pray in your most loving name.
Amen.