Joshua 3 describes the preparation and crossing of the Jordan River by the Israelites under Joshua’s leadership. The key events include:
1. Preparation: The Israelites camped by the Jordan for three days, receiving instructions to follow the ark of the covenant, which represents God’s presence.
2. Consecration: Joshua instructs the people to consecrate themselves, signifying spiritual preparation for the miraculous events God will perform.
3. Leadership and Promise: God assures Joshua that He will exalt him before the Israelites, establishing Joshua’s leadership.
4. Miracle at the Jordan: The priests carrying the ark step into the flooded Jordan, and the waters part, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground.
In essence, Joshua 3:5 is a call for the Israelites to prepare themselves spiritually, recognizing that God is about to do something extraordinary as they embark on the next phase of their journey into the Promised Land.
God of Wonders – Consecrated to God
When we think of the wonders of God, we imagine the miraculous, the awe-inspiring acts that leave us speechless and in reverence of His mighty power. Our anchor verse, Joshua 3:5, tells us, “And Joshua said to the people, ‘Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.'” Here, Joshua addressed the Israelites as they prepared to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land, reminding them of the crucial prerequisite for witnessing God’s wonders: sanctification.
What is Sanctification?
Sanctification is the process of becoming holy, set apart, and dedicated to God. It involves purifying ourselves, both in our actions and our hearts, aligning our lives with God’s will, and dedicating ourselves entirely to His service. It means separating ourselves from sin and the world’s influences and drawing closer to God’s presence, allowing His Holy Spirit to transform us from within.
The Prerequisite for God’s Wonders
The wonders of God are His extraordinary acts that reveal His power, glory, and divine nature. Throughout the Bible, we see that these wonders are often preceded by a call to sanctification. Joshua’s command to the Israelites highlights a timeless truth: to experience the fullness of God’s wonders, we must first consecrate ourselves to Him.
Sanctification prepares us to receive God’s miracles by purifying our hearts and minds, making us vessels ready for His divine intervention. It is a step of faith and obedience, showing our willingness to be set apart for His purposes. When we sanctify ourselves, we invite God’s presence into our lives thereby creating an environment where His wonders can manifest.
A Call to Sanctification
As we meditate on Joshua 3:5, let us take to heart the importance of sanctification in our walk with God. Let us examine our lives, confess our sins, and commit to living in holiness and righteousness. By doing so, we position ourselves to witness and partake in the wonders God has in store for us.
May we be inspired to sanctify ourselves, dedicating our lives wholly to God, so that we may see His wonders unfold in our midst, just as the Israelites did.
Prayers for Consecration
Romans 8: 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. 13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.
15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! 16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?
Joshua 3: 5 And Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.
The three Ps of sin:
1. Power of Sin: This refers to the grip that sin has on our lives, influencing our thoughts, actions, and decisions. Sin’s power can dominate and control people, leading them away from God’s will and purpose.
2. Penalty of Sin: The consequence or judgment that comes as a result of sin. According to the Bible, the penalty of sin is spiritual death and separation from God. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
3. Presence of Sin: This speaks to the reality that sin exists in the world and in our lives. Even after accepting Christ, we are still in a fallen world where sin is present, and we must continually rely on God’s grace and the Holy Spirit to overcome it.
Jesus has provided freedom from the power, penalty, and ultimately, the presence of sin.
Prayers
1. Reveal hidden sin Psalm 139:23-24 NLT MSG
Psalm 139:23-24 in both the New Living Translation (NLT) and The Message (MSG) offers a heartfelt plea for divine introspection:
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
This prayer is a courageous invitation for God to uncover any hidden sins that may be lurking unnoticed in the recesses of our hearts. In this section, we will focus on prayers that seek God’s light to shine upon our innermost thoughts and behaviours, revealing hidden sins so that we may confess, repent, and align more closely with God’s will. This process is necessary for our spiritual growth and consecration, as it cleanses us and prepares us to serve as holy vessels in His kingdom.
Prayer To Reveal Hidden Sin
Lord, search my heart and know my thoughts. Reveal any way in me that offends You. I welcome Your scrutiny because I trust in Your love and desire to be closer to You.
Heavenly Father, as You expose the hidden sins in my life, I confess them before You. Grant me the humility to accept Your correction and the strength to turn away from these sins completely.
God, renew a right spirit within me. Cleanse my heart from every hidden fault and lead me in the way everlasting. I yearn to walk in purity and truth to, reflect Your holiness in all I do.
Protect me from self-deception and the lies of the enemy. Help me to see myself clearly through Your eyes and to recognize the truth about my actions and motivations.
Father, grant me the insight to understand the deep and hidden parts of my heart. Illuminate every corner of my soul with Your light, so that no sin remains concealed or unaddressed.
Lead me, O God, along the path of everlasting life. Guide my steps away from temptation and toward righteousness. Help me to live a life that is pleasing in Your sight, free from the burden of hidden sin.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
2. Ascending the Mountain of Holiness
The aspiration to stand in the presence of the Lord demands a heart and life purified from sin and deceit. Psalm 24:3-4 poses the question, urging us to reflect on the purity of our hands and the sincerity of our hearts. The prayers below are designed to guide you as you seek to cleanse your spirit and align closer with God’s will. Each prayer focuses on overcoming sin, embracing truth, and maintaining a steadfast focus on God. As you use these prayers, may you find the strength to ascend the mountain of the Lord and stand firm in His holy place, transformed and renewed by His grace.
Psalm 24:3-5
- Who may climb the mountain of the Lord?
Who may stand in his holy place?
4 Only those whose hands and hearts are pure,
who do not worship idols
and never tell lies.
Prayers for Purity and Truth
“Lord, purify my heart and my actions. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to You, free from deceit and wrongdoing.”
“Show me any areas of my life where I have placed other priorities above You. Help me to remove these idols and worship only You.”
“Heavenly Father, guide me to always speak the truth with love and integrity. Keep my words honest and my intentions clear in Your sight.”
“Father, strengthen me to resist the temptations that distract and pull me away from You. Let Your Spirit lead me in every decision and action.”
“Father, I ask for Your forgiveness for the times I have fallen short. Cleanse me, and renew my spirit, so I may stand in Your holy place with a clean heart.”
“Lord, I long to dwell in Your presence. Make my heart and hands pure, that I may ascend Your holy mountain and stand in Your holy place.”
In Jesus’ name amen.
2. Get rid of weights
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV) exhorts us, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.”
This call to consecration is a powerful invitation to dedicate ourselves wholly to God’s divine plan. In this section, we delve into personal prayers aimed at casting off the burdens and sins that obstruct our spiritual progress, enabling us to pursue a deeper and more committed relationship with Christ. Through these prayers, may we find the strength and freedom to faithfully follow the path that leads to righteousness and intimacy with our Father.
Prayers To Release Burdens
“Lord Jesus, You are the author and finisher of my faith. I bring before You every burden that weighs me down. Help me to release these weights to You, (begin to release).
” Father, I confess the sins that entangle me. (mention them) Please forgive me and give me the wisdom and strength to avoid these pitfalls in the future. Cleanse me, and create in me a pure heart, ready to follow You without reservation.”
“God, help me to fix my eyes on Jesus in all things. When distractions tempt me to look away, remind me of Your love and Your sacrifice. Strengthen my commitment to You and keep my path aligned with Your purpose.”
“As I run this race set before me, I ask for endurance. Let Your Holy Spirit empower and sustain me through challenges and trials. Keep my spirit steadfast and my faith unwavering, no matter the obstacles I face.”
“Father, guide my steps in this race of faith. Show me when to move and when to rest, when to speak and when to listen. May Your wisdom lead me in every decision, and Your hand protect me from straying from Your path.”
In Jesus’ name, I pray amen.
4. Forgive Offenses
Matthew 18:35 (NKJV) instructs us solemnly: “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”
This directive underscores the vital role of forgiveness in our spiritual consecration. Embracing forgiveness is not merely an act of letting go of grievances; it is an essential step toward holiness and deeper intimacy with God. I
We will now pray for the power to release offences and forgive others genuinely from the heart. As we commit to these prayers, we invite God’s transformation, allowing His grace to purify our hearts and align our lives with His will.
Try to be as personal as possible, mentioning specific cases where relevant.
Prayers To Release offences
Heavenly Father, I ask for Your grace to forgive those who have wronged me. Fill my heart with Your love and compassion, that I may release any bitterness and embrace forgiveness. Help me to reflect Your mercy in my actions and thoughts.” I forgive everyone who has trespassed against me, I let it all go.
Lord Jesus, heal my heart from the pain caused by offenses. Restore my spirit and renew a right spirit within me. Let forgiveness flow freely in my life, as I trust in Your healing power and Your perfect plan for reconciliation.
Father, grant me the understanding to see the struggles and challenges of those who offend me. Cultivate in me a spirit of empathy, that I may forgive sincerely.
Father, I choose to let go of resentment and hold onto peace. By Your strength, I release every grudge and choose forgiveness, because I know that this honours You and frees my soul.
Lord, where possible, lead me toward reconciliation with those I have forgiven. Open pathways for honest communication and healing, and let Your love be the foundation of restored relationships.
Father, as I forgive others, I experience the peace and freedom that comes from obedience to Your word. Guard my heart against the return of old grievances and fill me with Your peace that surpasses all understanding.
In Jesus’ name, I pray Amen.
5. Sin Shall Not Dominate Me
In Romans 6:14-16 (NKJV), we are assured, “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.”
These powerful verses remind us that, as believers, we are liberated from the bondage of sin through the grace of God. This section of our spiritual journey toward consecration emphasizes the victory we have over sin and the continuous empowerment provided by the Holy Spirit.
We will delve into prayers that affirm our freedom from sin’s dominion and strengthen our resolve to walk in righteousness. As we engage with these prayers, we reaffirm our commitment to live lives that are not just free from sin, but also abundantly filled with God’s grace and mercy.
Prayers declaring Victory Over Sin
Lord, I thank You that sin shall not have dominion over me because I am under Your grace. Empower me daily to live in this victory, rejecting sin’s pull and embracing Your righteousness.
Father, Your grace is sufficient for me. Help me to lean on Your strength and not my own, so that I may overcome every temptation and live a life that glorifies You. Renew my mind through Your Word. Let Your truths replace every lie. Transform me from the inside out, so that my life reflects Your holiness.
Lord Jesus, in my moments of weakness, be my strength. Remind me that I am governed by Your grace and not by sin. Help me to stand firm in Your promises and walk confidently in Your freedom.
Father, heighten my spiritual sensitivity to recognize sin’s subtleties. Give me the wisdom to avoid situations that could lead to sin and the courage to say no to ungodliness. Lord, let Your grace manifest in every area of my life. May it be evident in my actions, my words, and my thoughts. Through Your grace, empower me to live a life that testifies to Your power over sin.
Heavenly Father, I submit myself to You. Guide my footsteps according to Your Word and help me to obey Your commands fully. I trust in Your power to keep me from falling and to present me faultless before Your presence with exceeding joy.
In the name of Jesus, I pray, amen.
How did you find today’s watch? What are you feeling on the inside?
One thing is for sure, these prayers are designed to declutter and help us have deeper intimacy with God. We seek Him not just His hands and we will find that intimacy we desire as we journey on. Get your family involved in these prayers, now is the time. God is seeking those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth.
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Pastor Tee