The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.
Luke 4:18-19
Prayer Points
Are there aspects of your life in which you would say you are oppressed? If necessary, ask forgiveness for any wrong choices made. Ask for the Son to set you free. In prayer receive the freedom that Christ wants you to have.
Are you making the right choices in life? Pray for right thinking and the breaking of any strongholds in your mind that hold you captive (2 Corinthians 10:4,5).
Pray for those you know who are prisoners to some form of oppression – in mind, body or spirit – that they too will be set free. Include any you know who have an addiction to alcohol or drugs.
DAY 14 : PRESSURE
Stress is good for you, without it we would not get anything done. But too much pressure in our lives can paralyse us.
Much of the pressure we experience is self-inflicted, a result of the choices we make. Our desires to impress, to succeed, to be the first and best underlie lifestyle preferences. Stress inhabits our lives as we place ourselves in the rat race, driven by ambition and busyness. But the Beatitudes indicate a blessedness that God gives those who opt for a meek or humble lifestyle. He values truth over status and purity over power. Choosing to put others first, ourselves last and freeing ourselves from the world’s expectations is an antidote for much of the intense pressure we endure.
Nevertheless, some people experience more than pressure. They are oppressed. This is obvious where there is violence, human trafficking or racism. But there is a less obvious oppression. Illness, depression or life’s circumstances can restrict and constrict innocent lives. The wrong choices that people make, leading to alcohol or drug addiction, bring particularly heinous oppression. Sin in its various forms robs people of their freedom.
Jesus’ stated that he came to ‘proclaim freedom for the prisoners and release for the oppressed’ (Luke 4:18-19). He demonstrated this by forgiving sins, healing sicknesses and driving out demons. He taught that sin leads to slavery. Jesus also taught that truth will set people free. ‘If the Son sets you free then you will be free indeed’ (John 8:36). Through faith in Christ salvation, freedom and healing are possible. He calls us to continue his ministry to people today.
Pray
* Pray for your ‘big issue’
* Pray for your ‘three friends’
* Pray for a new wave of revival.