It seems that every generation has faced its own difficulties and challenges.  Ours is no different.

At the end of his Bible studies, Pastor Chuck Smith would share some of the most powerful prayers and exhortations. Here is one he shared many years ago after teaching through Isaiah 11-12.

Father we thank You for Your word that is steadfast and true. That you have declared and even Lord, by an oath have declared, that these things are true. Lord we believe Your word, and thus we look forward with anticipation to its fulfillment, and we do pray Lord, may Your kingdom, in order that Your will might be done in this earth, even as it is in heaven. Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus. The earth is in such a miserable state tonight. Lord things are not getting better, but they’re getting worse. Men have turned their hearts against You, and rebelled against You and they blaspheme Your Holy Name. Lord we see them killing each other on the streets, even of our own communities. Lord we see the chaos, and the mayhem, and we desire Lord that You would come quickly, and spare us. Lord we see that the iniquity of the earth is abounding, Lord we see the filth, and the pollution of man’s minds, and the thoughts, and the imagination of his heart, just evil continually. Lord, we are, we are exposed whether we want to or not, we’re exposed to the degraded mind of man, and we’re exposed Lord to the lewdness on the billboards, and wherever we go Lord, we see man who has turned his back, and his heart against thee. Lord we’re beginning to see the consequences of these things. Lord we have a drug problem, that we don’t know what to do with. Lord it’s so great and so vast, so many problems, social problems Lord. We long for Your kingdom to come, that Your will might be done here on this earth, even as it is in heaven. For our children’s sake, and for our grandchildren’s sake Lord, come quickly. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Isaiah 12 (NLT) “In that day you will sing: “I will praise you, O Lord! You were angry with me, but not any more. Now you comfort me. See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.” With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation! In that wonderful day you will sing: “Thank the Lord! Praise his name! Tell the nations what he has done. Let them know how mighty he is! Sing to the Lord, for he has done wonderful things. Make known his praise around the world. Let all the people of Jerusalem shout his praise with joy! For great is the Holy One of Israel who lives among you.””