Prayers for Seed, Soil and Souls

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 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. ~1 Peter 1:23

Jesus stands in a boat teaching the masses, telling one of His most well known stories. He tells the parable of a farmer planting seeds describing the soil and ultimately the outcome. Apparently the disciples were not completely clear because Mark records the fact that once His core group of followers had Him alone, they questioned the meaning. Isn’t it reassuring to know that those closest to Jesus didn’t always get it? Jesus patiently and persistently elaborates:

“You’ve been given insight into God’s kingdom—you know how it works. But to those who can’t see it yet, everything comes in stories, creating readiness, nudging them toward receptive insight. Mark 4:11-12 – The Message

As I read these passages recently my heart longed to respond to Jesus in prayer. Spring is a time for renewal and growth. It is a time we can look around and see God’s hand in Creation clearly bringing forth beauty and  new life. No matter how baron we feel spiritually after our long Winter, the Lord comes to us and gently nudges us into His very own season of Spring. Our soul’s desire is the One who brings Spring on the wings of each new dawn.

Here are 4 Prayers based on the parable found in Mark 4: 1-20 to set our own personal revival in action this Spring:

1. “The farmer plants the Word. Some people are like the seed that falls on the hardened soil of the road. No sooner do they hear the Word than Satan snatches away what has been planted in them. 

Lord, You are the Living Word that became flesh and revealed yourself as the One and Only Son of God. You are the One who provides for all my needs and I trust in You alone for provision. You also protect me against the enemy of my Soul. I ask that you keep the soul of my heart receptive to Your voice and ready to obey, allowing no room for the enemy to usurp your authority. Thank you, that in You alone, Jesus, I am victorious against the schemes of the enemy of my soul.

2. “And some are like the seed that lands in the gravel. When they first hear the Word, they respond with great enthusiasm. But there is such shallow soil of character that when the emotions wear off and some difficulty arrives, there is nothing to show for it.

Dear Lord, I confess that sometimes I hear your Word and get excited about the ideas presented, only to fail to follow through when the opportunity to live it out appears. But you promise not to leave me to work out this life of faith in my own strength. You empower me with your very own Holy Presence through your Spirit. Lord, forgive me that I settle on less than your best when I rely on my own understanding instead of your accessible wisdom and discernment. It is by grace through faith I have been redeemd and by the same faith I will walk by your power. Thank you all things are possible in the name of Jesus.

3. “The seed cast in the weeds represents the ones who hear the kingdom news but are overwhelmed with worries about all the things they have to do and all the things they want to get. The stress strangles what they heard, and nothing comes of it.

Lord, you say that I am to pray about everything, always, making intercessions for my needs and the needs of others. You say that Your Kingdom is near, as close as the air I breathe! Let me not forsake my birthright by neglecting prayer, for it is for this union you have come. That I may know you, believing and living as you have lived. Dying to self and selfishness that I might have life abundant- a life unchained.

4. “But the seed planted in the good earth represents those who hear the Word, embrace it, and produce a harvest beyond their wildest dreams.”

Dear Lord, I beg you to make me “good seed” planted here on earth today, recognizing “such a time as this” available to your will without reservation. May I, along with those who claim your name, embrace your Word wholeheartedly surrenderred and submitted to its authority and power and by it may You produce a harvest beyond my wildest dreams.

We pray these things, acknowledging the Name above all Names- Jesus, Amen.