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7 sons of soul prayer changes things7/26/2023 ![]() The first six sons each defy the king and are cruelly tortured. The 2 Maccabees 7 version of the martyr family story opens with the arrest of the seven brothers and their mother, who are beaten in an effort to force them to eat swine’s flesh (prohibited by Lev 11:7–8). 7 since the king seems so thoroughly on his own turf. No scene other than Jerusalem and Judea is ever established in the narrative, yet Antioch is a possible setting for chap. Exactly where the martyrdoms in 2 Maccabees take place is debated. Her family story appears here in 7:1–42 and in a considerably expanded version in 4 Maccabees. The last martyr is the unnamed mother who dies after witnessing each of her seven sons cruelly tortured. The martyrology in 2 Macc 6:7–7:42 (the first of its kind in the Bible) lists stories of those who choose death over apostasy. ![]() "the written Torah." The Bible the Pentateuch Tanakh (the Pentateuch, Prophets and Hagiographia) Torah), and rules that the Jews who will not adopt Greek customs are to die (2 Macc 6:9). the Seleucid king Antiochus IV outlaws temple worship, observance of Sabbaths and holy days, circumcision, and the keeping of ( Torah she-bi-khetav: Lit. If it helps, any of these prayers can be written (mentally or physically) on a little paper sailboat that is then released onto the surface of a flowing stream-an exercise that can be repeated as needed, until release becomes reality.According to 2 Maccabees, in the second century B.C.E. I accept that I am Your “work of art,” “created in Christ Jesus to do good works” (Ephesians 2:10, NIV) and trust You to help me, moment by moment, to live in that reality. I choose to believe what You say about me and not what others say-not even what I have said about myself. I agree with Your Word and so release all the shame I have felt because of the lies I’ve believed about myself. God, Your Word says there is “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set free” (Romans 8:1, NIV). Remind me, moment by moment, that my God will meet all my needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Whatever the roots-self-doubt, self-hatred, self-loathing, etc.-I release the sense that I need anything or anyone but You and Your truth to get me through the day and through this life. ![]() Let me live a victorious life from this moment on instead of entertaining any thoughts of victimhood.įather, I repent and renounce and release the dependency by which I’ve lived until now. I choose to rely and live on the truth of Your Word that says I am more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37) rather than a victim, through the One who loves me and gave Himself for me. Lord, with Your help, I release all the negative thoughts, feelings and impressions that lead to an attitude of victimhood in my life. Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot control, courage to change the few things I can (my thoughts and actions) and wisdom to know the difference.ĥ) Prayer to release an attitude of victimhood By Your grace, I surrender my need to feel in control, and embrace the truth that You are in control and that I can control only my inner life and not my outward circumstances-and certainly not other people. I release myself and my illusions into Your hands. Mighty God, for too long I have wanted to be in control, tried to be in control and cherished the illusion that I am in control. I choose Your light and truth instead of fear, accepting Your Word, which says I “need not fear terror that stalks in the night, the arrow that flies in the day, plague that strikes in the darkness, or calamity that destroys at noon,” because you are with me (Psalm 91:5-6, ISV).Ĥ) Prayer to release the illusion of control I choose love instead of fear, trusting that Your “perfect love” will cast out all fear (1 John 4:18). ![]() I choose faith instead of fear, believing in Your good plans for me. I have been crippled and poisoned by fear for too long. Help me to find healthy and helpful ways to love and care and pray for (him/her), even as I learn to trust You to see all I cannot see and do what I cannot do.įather, I give my fear to You. I know that You share that love and concern, so I release (him/her) into Your hands. You know all my love and concern for (him/her). Help me to keep letting go and release these toxic emotions as often as they try to return. With Your help, I release my anger into Your hands. I don’t want to be an angry, resentful and bitter person. But I don’t want to live with it any longer. And You know how deep the hurt goes and how long I have lived with it. You know I am troubled by thoughts and feelings of anger, resentment and bitterness. 1) Prayer to release anger, resentment and bitterness
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