THEME:
DIVINE CALL AND RESPONSE
Jonah 4:2
“And he prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster.”
MEDITATION
This verse sums God’s gracious character– but it was uttered by the reluctant prophet Jonah, whom God sent to preach the gospel of repentance, to the pagan people of the wicked city of Nineveh. Jonah held these unsaved gentiles is utter contempt and fled from the Lord rather than preach the good news of His saving grace – in case they did repented and were saved! Jonah fled from his duty. Many of us today we run from our duties and responsibilities in the family, church or society we belong. Eventually, Jonah was tracked by a great fish, specially prepared by God. Jonah eventually obeyed and preached repentance to this huge hotbed of sinners who all repented and became a vast city of people that were saved by grace through faith.
We are the children of our gracious heavenly Father and we are called to be God’s witnesses to the unsaved in a dying world- for God is merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, and longs that all men are saved. We should reflect Christ’s tender heart towards those that are dead in trespasses and sins and be willing vessels in the hand of the Potter. Let us in His strength keep our eyes fixed on Jesus – so that we become a true reflection of His grace and compassion – His, patience and love.
PRAYERS
1 Hail Mary 21 times and Thank you Jesus 21 times.
2 Bible Study: Jonah 4 and Psalm. 51
3 Lessons:
God is slow to anger and rich in mercy
We must not take the mercy of God for granted.
4 Silence (5 to 10 minutes) (write down your own lessons; learn to hear from God and write down whatever God says to you)
5 The Litany to the Precious Blood of Jesus (as given on the first day)
6 Intercessory Prayers:
Loving Father, thank You that You are indeed full of compassion and mercy, for You stooped down to save me when I was dead in my sins and brought me into Your family – may my life be a true reflection of Your gracious character, in Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Oh Lord! Grant me favour in your sight so that you will grant me all my request of (mention your request) and Oh Lord, Let your unmerited favour prevail in every situations of my life in Jesus name.
Oh God of mercy! Have mercy on me today and let your mercy snatch me from those who seek my death in Jesus name.
Oh Lord, by your mercy silence every satanic voice speaking against me to destroy my life and God-given vision and Oh Lord, i declare that your goodness and mercies shall never depart from me in Jesus name.
Oh God of mercy, arise and defend me from every false accusations of the enemy. Lord Jesus Christ the son of David, have mercy on me and fight the battles of my life in Jesus name.
7. Memory verse: Luke 6:36
Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
