"Those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away” (Isaiah 51:11).
Almighty God, Father in Heaven, You are the One who brings true freedom—the One who "says to the captives, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Be free!’" (Isaiah 49:9).
"Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You, Lord, are mighty, and Your faithfulness surrounds You" (Psalm 89:8) Father, even though "perverse and foolish, oft we stray," wandering down roads that lead us to captivity, yet in love, You seek us and bring us back.
Lord, Your mercies never fail. You spoke words of promise and restoration over Your people in the middle of their captivity, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity" (Jeremiah 29:11-14).
Our eyes are ever on You Lord, "for only [You] will release [our] feet from the snare" (Psalm 25:15). Free us from thoughts and habits, mindsets and patterns, strongholds and addictions that keep us chained to fear and failure, doubt and defeat, insecurity and inadequacy. We lift up to You by name, those who need release and rescue from the dungeons of darkness and despondency, discouragement and despair.
Father, fill us with Your Spirit! We know that "the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom" (2 Corinthians 3:17). Free us from bondage of any kind. Restore gladness and joy and cause sorrow and sighing to flee away. Help us to fulfill the purpose to which You have called us. Let Your kingdom come, and Your will be done as You release Your power and Your freedom in our lives.
Long my imprisoned spirit lay, Fast bound in sin and nature’s night; Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray— I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
~Charles Wesley~ Published 1738
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