“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see” (Rev.3:14-18).
“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” (1Pet.4:17).
“Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition” (2 Thes.2:1-3).
“Then I saw a second beast, coming out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon….. And it performed great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to the earth in full view of the people. Because of the signs it was given power to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived the inhabitants of the earth” (Rev.13:11-14).
My Prayer
Father AhaYah, today we come before you to lament over the Laodicean church in our midsts. Father, many Christian congregations have fallen asleep and no longer anticipate and watch for Your coming. Many have adopted the ways of the world and are no longer beacons of light, the salt of the earth or operating under the power of Your Spirit. Instances of abuse of the innocent, greed, pride and sexual sin have resulted in many who are searching to turn away from You whom these institutions profess to follow. In the absence of faith in You, a God who is all powerful, unchanging and steadfast in Your love, many individuals are gripped in fear and unable to discern the times we are in and the snares of the enemy.
Father, Your Word warns of a great falling away before the return of Your Son (2 Thes.2:1-3). Father, this I understand to be a falling away of those who claim to be Your followers, but who have accepted the lies of the deceiver, satan. We are warned that satan only comes to steal, kill and destroy. Already, many hearts have grown cold and no longer seek shelter in You.
Father Your Word also warns that judgement must begin at the House of God. Father, please have mercy in Your judgement upon Your Church.
Father AhaYah, thank you for Your mercy and Your grace. Thank you that You have been patient with us, a rebellious generation. Thank you that in Your love for us You sent Your Son to die for us so that there can be for us forgiveness of sin and eternal life in Your presence. Hallelujah. Thank you Father.
Today I cry out to You in anguish on behalf of those who are still asleep because many may be find themselves like the 5 foolish virgins with their lamps empty and therefore not ready when our Bridegroom comes (Matt.25:1-13).
Father in Your mercy, please awaken Your Church like in the vision of the dry bones recorded in Ezekiel Chapter 37. Please instill in Your people once again the fear of You and a hunger for Your Word. Please grant them wisdom to see how far they have strayed from Your ways. Please convict them of their sins and bring them to repentance. Father, please grant a fresh outpouring of Your Spirit upon the Church and sent revival and renewal upon Your people so that the hearts of Your children will be drawn back to You, our loving Father, Saviour and Redeemer.
Father, please hear this plea for mercy. In Jesus name. Aman.