Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24)
 
You do not have, because you do not ask God.     (James 4:2)
 
Life was comfortable in Samaria. The economy was strong; prosperity was widespread. There were enemies “out there,” but Israel’s military was mighty, and peace reigned.  People indulged themselves in luxury and entertainment. On days appointed for assemblies and feasts, they followed their satisfying routine of worship, making their sacrifices and offerings.
 
Until Amos showed up, the people of Israel assumed that their spiritual state was as wonderful as their material state. They were oblivious to the furious wrath with which the LORD viewed their complacent lives. It had not occurred to them to ask for His assessment. I suspect that the Christians in Laodicea were similarly blind to the Lord Jesus Christ’s evaluation of them as lukewarm, neither hot nor cold. (Revelation 3:14-22) Had they ever asked?
 
What about me? What about us? In your prayer times this week, ask the Lord to show you sins and failures of which you are blithely unaware. Ask Him to reveal to our leadership any areas of our body-life that are displeasing to Him.
 
Other prayer topics for your consideration:
 
1.  As quickly as I repent of the sins God shows me, He washes them away by Christ’s blood and directs the Holy Spirit to help me change. Thank and praise Him for that!

2.  One hundred ten little ballerinas are enrolled in Selah Dance Company, an outreach of Calvary led by Jamie Gilbert. Many of the families involved are unchurched. Pray that their contact with Calvary will lead them to consider the place of God in their lives and seek after Him. Ask for creativity and patience for Jamie and her fellow instructor, Stephanie Hoopiiaina. 

3.  Intercede for parents, asking for wisdom to make hard decisions, for strength to make deep sacrifices, and for joy that makes it all worthwhile.
 
4.  Intercede for adult children who are providing care of some sort for elderly parents. Ask the Lord to help them handle with grace the physical strains, time pressures, financial stresses, and emotional load that come with elder care.
 

 
In Christ,
Carol Gilbert, Prayer Chair
Calvary Community Church of Brea