"Who among us is truly stirred for Zion? Who genuinely lays it to heart that she languishes within her borders? Do you prefer her prosperity above your chief joy? Do you declare your love for the King by loving His people? Knowing the preciousness of your own salvation, are you seeking by prayer and every means in your power to form and promote the salvation of others? O Lord, grant me grace "for Zion's sake never to hold my peace, nor for Jerusalem's sake to rest, till her righteousness goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a burning lamp." - Robert Hawker

Devotion

In the heart of every believer lies a yearning for the fulfillment of God's kingdom on earth. This desire, deeply rooted in the love of Christ, compels us to intercede for Zion—the city of God, which symbolizes the collective people of God, the Church. The distress of Zion, often mirrored in the struggles of our churches and communities, should stir in us a profound sense of urgency and compassion.

Consider the lament of the psalmist, who declares, "If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill. May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not consider Jerusalem my highest joy" (Psalm 137:5-6). This intense devotion to Zion's well-being reflects a heart wholly surrendered to God's purposes. It challenges us to examine our priorities and affections. Do we share this deep concern for the spiritual health and growth of God's people?

Our Lord Jesus Christ exemplified this passion for His people. In His earthly ministry, He wept over Jerusalem, saying, "How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing" (Matthew 23:37). His heart was moved with compassion for the lost and the wandering. As His followers, we are called to embody this same love and dedication.

The call to intercede for Zion is not merely a call to prayer but also to action. The prophet Isaiah urges us to "give Him no rest till He establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth" (Isaiah 62:7). This relentless pursuit involves active participation in the mission of the Church—evangelism, discipleship, mercy and justice. It requires us to labor for the kingdom, knowing that our efforts, empowered by the Holy Spirit, contribute to the advancement of God's righteous reign.

Prayer is the lifeline that connects our hearts to God's purposes. It is through fervent, persistent prayer that we align ourselves with His will and become channels of His grace. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently exhorts the believers to pray without ceasing, to intercede for all saints, and to be watchful in prayer (Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17). Such a prayer life reflects a deep dependency on God and a commitment to His kingdom.

Moreover, our prayers must be informed by the Word of God. Scripture reveals God's heart for His people and His plans for His kingdom. As we meditate on His promises and prophecies, our prayers become more aligned with His will. The psalmist declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). In the same way, the Word of God illuminates our prayers, guiding us to pray according to His purposes.

The salvation of others should also be a driving force in our prayers and actions. Knowing the preciousness of our own salvation, we should earnestly seek the salvation of those around us. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, expresses his deep anguish for his fellow Israelites, saying, "I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart...for the sake of my people, those of my own race" (Romans 9:2-3). His heart's desire and prayer to God was that they might be saved (Romans 10:1). This same zeal should characterize our witness, as we share the gospel and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).

Finally, we must rest in the assurance that our labor for the kingdom is not in vain. The promise of God is sure: "The righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father" (Matthew 13:43). As we persist in prayer and action for Zion's sake, we can trust that God will bring forth His righteousness and salvation as a burning lamp.

In conclusion, let us be stirred for Zion, laying her needs upon our hearts and committing ourselves to her welfare. Let our love for the King be demonstrated in our love for His people. As we seek His kingdom through prayer and action, may we find the grace to never hold our peace until He establishes His glorious reign. May our lives be a testament to His faithfulness and a beacon of His saving grace, shining brightly in a world in need of His light.

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