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TEAM TALK
PRAYER OF THE MONTH Jonah ’ s Prayer for Salvation Jonah 2:2-9
We may never be swallowed by a great fish , but we can still experience the shame and regret that Jonah felt after he ran from God . The prophet ’ s plea to the Father provides a poignant scaffolding for our own prayers of repentance . And remember that God heard and answered this humble , honest prayer :
“ In my distress I called to the Lord and he answered me . From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help and you listened to my cry .
You hurled me into the depths , into the very heart of the seas and the currents swirled about me ; all your waves and breakers swept over me .
I said , ‘ I have been banished from your sight ; yet I will look again toward your holy temple .’
The engulfing waters threatened me , the deep surrounded me ; seaweed was wrapped around my head .
To the roots of the mountains I sank down ; the earth beneath barred me in forever . But you , Lord my God , brought my life up from the pit .
“ When my life was ebbing away , I remembered you , Lord . And my prayer rose to you , to your holy temple . “ Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God ’ s love for them .
But I , with shouts of grateful praise , will sacrifice to you . What I have vowed I will make good .
I will say , ‘ Salvation comes from the Lord .’”
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