A Prayer About Jesus’ Broad Shoulders
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7
Most gracious King Jesus, to know that the government of the whole world already rests on your shoulders humbles me and gladdens me with a joy only second to knowing that your shoulders also fully bore the sin of the world, including mine. How I praise you, boast in you, and rejoice in you as this day begins.
In you are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. You are Wonderful Counselor-the one to whom I look for knowledge of great mysteries and insight into things eternal, but also the one to whom I look for counsel on loving one woman well the rest of my life… and wisdom on handling fresh disappoints, old hurts and unfulfilled longings…
Lord Jesus, you uphold all things by the power of your word. You are Mighty God-the one who created and sustains the entire universe… the one in whom all things are being summed up… but also the one who promises me all the power I need to humble myself when I’d rather stay proud… to boast in my weaknesses when I’d rather stay strong… to receive grace when I’d rather stay in control…
Lord Jesus, to see you, is to see the Father. To know you is to know the Father. Indeed, in this sense you are Everlasting Father-caring so tenderly for the needs of the world-even the flowers of every field and the birds in every sky, but also caring about me and for me. You didn’t leave me as an orphan, Jesus. Through your work, I’m not only declared just, I’m called son… and I cry, Abba, Father.
Lord Jesus, no one else can pretend to be the Prince of Peace, for you alone paid the price of peace on the cross. Even as you are presently “shalom-ing”-bringing the increase of your government and peace to all things, so you are advancing the reign of your grace in my life. Forgive me when I look for wholeness, contentment and healing somewhere else-for it is not to be found, except in you.
For your broad shoulders, big heart and coming kingdom, be glorified, oh blessed Messiah and Redeemer… so very Amen, I pray, in Jesus’ name.