Back to the Altar — Empowered to Finish the Work

Worshipers Go

Who is willing to go? That’s the question God asked Isaiah when he caught a life-altering vision of God. The moment was filled with amazing special effects. God was seated on a throne “high and lifted up” (Isaiah 6:1). His robe filled the temple as six-winged angels serenaded Him with a chorus of “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!” (verse 2). As God began to speak, the doorposts of the temple began to shake and smoke filled the house. The whole episode so “undid” Isaiah that he cried, “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts” (verse 5). Can we blame him? Who can catch a glimpse of God and not be unmasked?

Isaiah was awed by the holiness and majesty of God, but God does not reveal Himself purely for our astonishment. God’s revelation of Himself is usually followed by a request. This was the case, for instance, when He gave John a revelation of Jesus Christ while exiled on the island of Patmos. John’s vision of the end of the world and the return of Christ was meant to be shared. Likewise, when God revealed Himself to Isaiah, He was looking for a messenger willing to spread His message of love and warning. Isaiah’s answer was one for the ages: “Here am I! Send me” (verse 8).

One on One

But God did something for Isaiah that led him to accept the call to go. When God took away his iniquity and purged his sin, Isaiah’s response to God’s grace was “I will go” (Isaiah 6:8). His decision to accept God’s mission was made during a private, devotional experience with God. The power he would wield in public for God was power that he gained in private with God. Anointed writer, faithful prophet, fearless proclaimer—all of Isaiah’s outward identities were but a reflection of who he was on the inside. He had been to the altar with God!

As we end our 10 Days of Prayer experience, it is our prayer that you have begun to rebuild your personal altar of daily worship. It is our hope that your family has covenanted to meet God each morning and evening. But more than that, we pray that you will accept God’s special invitation to go. In so doing you will be touched, and “To those who make so full a consecration that the Lord can place His touch upon their lips, the word is spoken, Go forth into the harvest-field. I will cooperate with you” (Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers, p. 23).

Let’s pray together.

Prayer Time (30–45 Minutes)

Praying God’s Word — Isaiah 6:8

“Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”

“Whom Shall I Send . . . ?”

God, the fact that You have to ask this question is rebuke enough to us. We have not heeded the call to serve and proclaim You. At times we feel overwhelmed by the seemingly impossible task of world evangelism. Other times we simply get too busy with our own lives, our own agendas and desires. We are sorry, Lord. Forgive us, and use us in Your vineyard, we pray. Amen.

“Here Am I!”

Beautiful Jesus, You have called, and now I answer. Here am I. I don’t have much to bring, but knowing that You are by my side is all I need to know, for those You send, You will also enable to do the works of Jesus. So, here am I, Lord. Take this man/woman/child and glorify Yourself through my life. Amen.

“Send Me.”

God, we realize that the purpose of our lives is to reveal Your character of love to this world. Please send us into Your mission field. Show us where You are at work so that we can join Your Spirit’s moving. Direct our ideas and projects, our friendships, and mission efforts. We want to shine for You, Jesus. Send us! Send me. I will Go! Amen.

More Prayer Suggestions

Thanks and Praise: Give thanks for specific blessings and praise God for His goodness.

Confession: Take a few minutes for private confession and thank God for His forgiveness.

Guidance: Ask God to grant wisdom for current challenges and decisions.

Our Church: Pray for regional and world church needs (see separate sheet with requests).

Local Requests: Pray for current needs of church members, family, and neighbors.

Listen and Respond: Take time to listen for God’s voice and respond in praise or song.

Song Suggestions

SDA Hymnal: I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go (#573); Take My Life and Let It Be (#330); So Send I You (#578); Stand Up! Stand Up for Jesus! (#618)

Other Songs: Father, I Adore You; Pass It On; This Little Light of Mine; Make Me a Servant

Published by the General Conference Ministerial Association
Daily Readings by Pr. Dwain Esmond