READ: Job 42:9-17
AN UPLIFTED FACE: The literal reading of the end of verse 9 is that "the Lord lifted up the face of Job". Let's praise God for all that He has done with us so that we are no longer downcast but able to look up positively to Him.
LOSSES RESTORED: The Lord restored Job's losses (lit. "turned the captivity of Job") v10. Let's think of any areas where we personally feel there is a need for specific restoration after loss - whether loss of health, loss of opportunity or bereavement.
PRAYING FOR OTHERS: Those Job prayed for (v10) had given him a rough time. Let's pray that we will have a willingness to pray for others, especially for any that we might otherwise end up resenting.
A DOUBLE BLESSING: The Lord's heart is always to do "exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think". Job received back twice as much (v10). Let's pray for those that we know who have been through trials and ask that they might be exceedingly abundantly blessed.
FAMILY ENCOURAGEMENT: Job's family came to console him and provide for him. The gold rings they gave spoke of covenant commitment and the silver of redemption (v11). Let's pray for our families. Let's pray for ourselves too that we might speak of redemption and demonstrate commitment.
INCREASED BLESSING: The Lord blessed the end of Job's life more than his beginning (v12). This is an important principle of increase. It contrasts with Proverbs 20:21 "An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning will not be blessed at the end". Let's pray for increased blessing in the lives of those around us. Let's also take this opportunity to pray for the elderly.
AN INHERITANCE FOR ALL: Job was committed to equality before it was demanded by political correctness (v15). His daughters all inherited with his sons. God had blessed him so much that no one was to miss out. Let's pray for a real ability to pass on what we have to others.