21 August 2001

Text: Isaiah 63:7-19

A MOVING PRAYER FOR MERCY

IN THE FACE OF IMPENDING WRATH (Cf. Isa. 63:1-6; Obadiah)

Prayer is the only appropriate response

LEARNING ABOUT INTERCESSORY PRAYER FROM ISAIAH
PREPARATION

Learning to Plead with the Lord

1. Pleading "The lovingkindnesses of the Lord" (Isa. 63:7)
2. Pleading "The great goodness toward the house of the Lord " (Isa. 63:7)
3. Pleading "The mercies of the Lord" (Isa. 63:7)
4. Pleading the Covenant-Promise of God (Word of God)
   "Surely they are My people..." (Isa. 63:8)
5. Pleading the Covenant-Relationship between God and His people
   "He became their Saviour..." (Isa. 63:8)

"In all their affliction He was afflicted;
and the Angel of His Presence saved them;
In His love and in His pity He redeemed them;
And He bore them and carried them"
Isaiah 63:9

Drawing inspiration and instruction from Biblical history
1. Recalling the problem of the sin of rebellion and grieving of the Spirit of God (Isa. 63:10)

2. Remembering "the days of old, Moses and his people..." (Isa. 63:11-14)

3. Seeking the Lord... "Where is He... ?" (Isa. 63:11)

4. Invoking the "glorious Name of the Lord" (Isa. 63:14)

ACTUAL PRAYER

"Look down from heaven and see from Your habitation,
Holy and Glorious,
Where are Your zeal and Your strength
The yearning of Your heart and Your mercies to Me"
Isaiah 63:15

1. Recognition of God's Majesty - as One who dwelt in Heaven
2. Recognition of God's Holiness - "Holy and Glorious"
3. Pleading God's...
   1. "Zeal"
   2. "Strength"
   3. Tender affection ("The yearning of God's Heart")
   4. "Mercies" (Isa. 63;15)

"Doubtless You are our Father...
You, O Lord are our Father...
Our Redeemer from everlasting is Your Name"
Isaiah 63:16

1. Pleading the Fatherhood of God (Isa. 63:16)
2. Pleading the Redemptive relationship (Isa. 63:16)

"Return for Your servants' sake...
the tribes of Your inheritance"
Isaiah 63:17

"Your holy people..."
Isaiah 63:18

Pleading the dire needs of God's people

THE LACK OF INTERCESSORY PRAYER TODAY

1. Many do not pray
2. If they do pray, their requests are essentially persona and selfish at times

THE CHALLENGE FOR THE CHURCH TODAY

1. To discover the power of prayer
2. To put principles into practice