1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
Because the Lord has anointed me
To bring good news to the afflicted;
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to captives
And freedom to prisoners;
2 To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
3 To grant those who mourn in Zion,
Giving them a garland instead of ashes,
The oil of gladness instead of mourning,
The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting.
So they will be called oaks of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. ~ Isaiah 61:1-3 (NASB
Lord, You have called each of us for a special purpose. It’s easy to think that I can leave it to the ministers and church leaders to build Your Kingdom, but that’s not what You want me to do. You want each of us—You want ME to bring the good news to the poor, to spread Your Word and Your love, to share with those who do not know You that You turn their sorrow into gladness, to wrap them in victory, joy, and praise, so that they stand for Your Eternal glory. Give me the wisdom, the strength, and the courage to carry out Your purpose in my life for Your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.