Please note a message from Dutch Sheets, "Arise in Your Authority," below!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief Friday, June 21, 2013
"What therefore God hath joined together,
let not man put asunder. . . ." (Mark 10:9)
Guidelines for today's American Prayer Initiative can be found by going here.
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The Daily Brief
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1. SUPREME COURT'S AUTHORITY FACES STUNNING CHALLENGE - WND
'This is the line we must draw and one we cannot and will not cross'
A coalition of Christian organizations is warning that the U.S. Supreme Court does not have the power to redefine the institution of marriage, which predates government, churches and even religion. The statement comes just as the court is expected to release its ruling on the Proposition 8 case in California and the federal Defense of Marriage Act.
"As Christians united together in defense of marriage, we pray that this will not happen. But, make no mistake about our resolve. While there are many things we can endure, redefining marriage is so fundamental to the natural order and the true common good that this is the line we must draw and one we cannot and will not cross," they say.
The group includes Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant clergy and leaders. The statement was drafted by Deacon Keith Fournier, editor of Catholic Online, and chairman of Common Good Alliance, as well as Mat Staver, chairman of Liberty Counsel Action. It was approved by pastors and other leaders who collectively represent tens of millions of Christians. (Read more)
Read their statement here.
- Father, we thank You that the Church has issued this statement regarding the Supreme Court's authority and jurisdiction. Too often, and too weakly, has the body of Christ been bold enough to challenge the mainstream on issues of Biblical morality. We ask for forgiveness for our lack of "backbone" to stand against the tide of de-moralizing our nation. In our efforts to "not offend" man, we have offended You, and in many ways, we've not represented You very well. We thank You for the courage of these Christian groups to "draw a line in the sand". We ask that the Supreme Court will take note of this statement, and accept the validity of it.
Regardless of how the Court responds to this, we thank You that this statement has come to light, and that we all will adhere to it, because it is based upon Your unchanging Word. Protect and defend Your people, we pray, as we adhere to Your Word and stand against the tide of unrighteousness in this land. In Your Name we pray, Amen!
- "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world,and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place." (Ephesians 6:12-14)
2. US 'gay conversion' group closes - BBC
A prominent US Christian group that purported to rid gay people of same-sex attraction through prayer has said it is shutting down. Three-decade old Exodus International made the announcement alongside an apology from President Alan Chambers to people "hurt" by its treatment. He acknowledged "the shame and guilt you felt when your attractions didn't change".
n a statement entitled I Am Sorry and directed at gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, Mr Chambers, who is married to a woman, acknowledged "trauma that I have caused" and said he had kept quiet about his own same-sex attractions. While saying he could "not apologize for my deeply held biblical beliefs about the boundaries I see in scripture surrounding sex", Mr Chambers said he was "sorry we promoted sexual orientation change efforts and reparative theories about sexual orientation that stigmatized patients". (Read more)
- Abba, we are grieved by this news that the leader of this group, although married to a woman, was still having homosexual attractions, despite his claim to be a Bible believing Christian. Truly, Exodus International does need to close down now that its message has been diluted. We ask You to forgive Alan Chambers; to bring healing and deliverance for his soul; and to set this captive free. We do ask, Father, that the enemy's desire to capitalize on this situation, will come to naught. We ask that Your Truth and Your Word will reign supreme in its authority and will stem the tide of evil and exploitation. In Jesus' Name we ask this prayer, amen.
- "So rid yourselves of all vulgarity and obvious evil, and receive meekly the Word implanted in you that can save your lives. Don't deceive yourselves by only hearing what the Word says, but do it! For whoever heard the Word, but doesn't do what it says is like someone observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was." (James 1:21-24)
- "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)
3. Gold and U.S. Stocks Pretty Much Collapsed Thursday - The Blaze
U.S. stocks started a downward slide yesterday after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said the Fed may draw down its $85 billion-per-month bond-buying program sometime in mid-2014 if unemployment manages to work its way down to 6.5 percent. And that downward slide picked up steam on Thursday, sending the three major U.S. stock indices way, way lower.
- Lord, we know that the "markets" are volatile and unstable, reacting to every nuance of news, whether good or not. Your Word declares they are "uncertain riches". Surely, if one trusts in them for stability, their foot shall surely slip! We thank You that Your Word is "steadfast and sure", and that You hold the true riches! We thank You that You are our Provider. We ask that those who do trust in these riches, will seek You as Savior and Provider and put their trust in You. In Your Name, Amen.
- "As for the rich in this world, charge them not to be proud and arrogant and contemptuous of others, nor to set their hopes on uncertain riches, but on God, Who richly and ceaselessly provides us with everything for [our] enjoyment. [Charge them] to do good, to be rich in good works, to be liberal and generous of heart, ready to share [with others], In this way laying up for themselves [the riches that endure forever as] a good foundation for the future, so that they may grasp that which is life indeed." (I Timothy 6:17-19 AMP)
4. Top Republican: Obama free speech 'bully' - Washington Post
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said in a speech Friday that the White House is engaged in a vast effort to silence and harass its critics. "Our ability to freely engage in civic life and to organize in defense of our beliefs is still under coordinated assault from groups on the left that don't like the idea of anyone criticizing their aims, and from a White House that appears determined to shut up anybody who challenges it," McConnell said at the American Enterprise Institute, according to a transcript. McConnell said the IRS's targeting of conservative groups is symptomatic of a larger problem in the administration. (Read more)
- Father, we thank You for the boldness of Senate Minority Leader McConnell, to speak out on the inequity of treatment against the conservatives in this nation. We ask that even those, who call themselves "progressives" will see that the rights of those who hold faith-based values and convictions, are being targeted by these agencies, such as the IRS, NSA, and others. May all Americans see that if you violate the rights of one group, you are attacking what America is all about, i.e. the rights of all groups are being compromised. In Your Name, we pray, Amen.
- "You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy; But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,To show that you are the children of your Father Who is in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the wicked and on the good, and makes the rain fall upon the upright and the wrongdoers [alike]." (Matthew 5:43-45)
5. Obama nominates Comey to head FBI - Associated Press
President Barack Obama nominated James Comey to be the new FBI director Friday, tapping a Bush-era Justice Department official to lead the agency as it grapples with privacy debates over a host of recently exposed investigative tactics.
- Father, we bring James Comey to You concerning his becoming the new Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. We ask that whoever leads the FBI at this point, be a man of integrity, and one whom the American public can trust to make changes necessary to set a new path toward freedom for all Americans. We ask You, Lord, to reveal all that we need to know about this man, and we ask that he be put in this position, if You so desire; and if You do not want him in that position, that You would make that clear as well. Our trust is in You, Lord, not in man or organizations. We ask You to govern. Amen.
- "The LORD wants honest balances and scales; all the weights are his work. Kings hate those who do wrong, because governments only continue if they are fair. Kings like honest people; they value someone who speaks the truth." (Proverbs 16:11-13)
6. U.S. Cuts Military Aid to Israel by five percent - Times of Israel
The US will cut five percent, or $175 million, from its annual military aid package to Israel as part of across-the-board budgetary spending cuts, a Hebrew daily reported Friday.
- Father, we ask that Israel turn to You for all the provision they need, in every sense of the word. May they realize that they are becoming increasingly isolated, with even their "friends" and "allies" unable to be depended upon much longer. We ask You to show Yourself strong on their behalf, and that You will be their Provider, Healer, Protector, and Strength. May they come to see You as Messiah and embrace You as such. We pray blessings upon them, Your chosen people. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
- ". . . blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiple your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. In Your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice." (Genesis 22:17,18)
7. US Doubles Aid for Global Refugees - Voice of America
The United States says it will double its aid to the United Nations refugee organization to help deal with the world's burgeoning number of refugees. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry made the announcement Thursday as a U.N. official warned that one person every four seconds flees home somewhere in the world to escape violence and strife. Both officials and celebrities, such as American actress Angelina Jolie, are trying to draw attention to the growing plight of refugees.
- Abba, it seems interesting and ironic, that we are cutting military aid to Your people, and at the same time doubling our aid to the U.N. refugee organization. We know the U.N. is not known for its efficiency, so we do pray that those monies designated to help refugees will, in fact, get to them and help alleviate their suffering. We ask that You will be Father and Mother to the orphans, and Husband to the widows, and that You, Yourself will protect these people and bring them to faith in You. May they know that You are the Living God, Who made Heaven and earth, and that You love them, and want to embrace them and bring them the salvation they so desperately need. In Jesus' name, amen.
- "Whoever heard Me spoke well of Me, and those who saw Me commended Me, because I rescued the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to assist them. The one who was dying blessed Me; I made the widow's heart sing." (Job 29:11-13)
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The Middle East in Focus
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The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
". . . and the name of the city from that day shall be, 'The Lord is there.'" (Ezekiel 48:35)
1. CIA head visits Israel to discuss Syria, Iran's nuclear program - Ha'aretz
The new director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, John Brennan, visited Israel Thursday and met with senior members of the defense and intelligence establishment. Brennan's meetings in Israel focused on the escalation of the civil war in Syria, and the international efforts to stop Iran's nuclear program.
2. Netanyahu urges a reluctant EU to designate Hezbollah as terror group - Israel Hayom
Israel hopes that the European countries who are refusing to designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization change their mind, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday.
3. IDF completes major navy, ground, air force drill - Jerusalem Post
The IDF completed a major combined forces drill on Thursday, which began at the start of the week and was aimed at testing out the responses of regular units and reserves to a range of fast-paced battle scenarios.
4. Israeli PM: EU should join US push on peace talks - UK Guardian
Israel's prime minister says the European Union should join U.S. attempts to restart stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
5. Find from era of King David may confirm Old Testament text - Fox News
A carved pillar discovered near Bethlehem may be linked to the Biblical King of Kings, David himself, or perhaps validate the scope of wise Solomon's majestic kingdom.
6. UN: Israel tortures detained Palestinian children - Jerusalem Post
A United Nations human rights body accused Israeli forces on Thursday of mistreating Palestinian children, including by torturing those in custody and using others as human shields.
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The Persecuted Church
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Today's Focus: The Persecuted Church
"But now, this is what the Lord says- he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine." (Isaiah 43:1)
1. Papua Indonesia: From Mission Field to Killing Field - Christians in Crisis
In the 1950s, missionaries working with Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) USA and Australia brought the Gospel to the central highlands of the then Dutch New Guinea (the western part of the island of New Guinea). Since then, Indonesia has invaded, occupied, annexed, Islamized, militarized and colonized the region.
Today, the indigenous, predominantly Christian Melanesians of Papua are a suffering and dying people. Like so many persecuted minorities in strategic 'swing' states, Papuans find their appalling plight being covered up and whitewashed by powerful forces engaged in 'realpolitik', the amoral politics of money and power. As long as Indonesia is a geo-strategically important nation, it will not be in any government's 'interests' to do anything for the Papuans. However, our God is a God 'who pleads the cause of his people' and acts! (See Isaiah 51:21-23; Proverbs 22:22,23; and Lamentations 3:55-58).
2. Christians Sentenced to Prison as 'Moderate' Comes to Power in Iran - Morning Star News
Six more Christians were sentenced for practicing their faith last week, while Iran's presidential election of a moderate politician was not expected to soften the regime's persecution of religious minorities.
After eight years of the hard-line rule of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Hassan Rouhani proclaimed a "victory for moderation . . . not extremism," expressed desire to rebuild bridges between Iran and the United States and promised to reopen stalled nuclear talks, according to The Christian Science Monitor.
While there has been optimism that the election of Rouhani and promises of reform will bring greater freedoms for persecuted religious minorities in Iran, an analyst said little will change as long as Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei controls the country's political destiny.
3. Kazakhstan's Participation in Religious Freedom Merely Words - Vestnik
10 years ago the First Summit of the World and Traditional Religions took place in Astana. The capital of Kazakhstan became a traditional dialogue platform for representatives of world religions on acute questions of supporting and providing peace based on tolerance, mutual understanding, and cooperation. With the participation of state structures, leaders of the world and traditional religions have a wonderful opportunity to gather and think about answers to challenges which are common not only for religious communities, but also for most nations of the world.
The deputy chairman of the Kazakh Agency on Religious Affairs Marat Azilkhanov notes that there has been no such a universal forum before it. "In a decade the forum became an important dialogue platform. Heads of the world religions come to our capital once in three years. Astana welcomed delegations from all over the world four times. The obvious success of Kazakhstan and its leader's initiative is representation and the high level of participants of the inter-religious forum. We are glad that the idea of Kazakhstan on holding the Astana Forum of Religious Leasers is supported by the Russian Federation."
For more news about the Persecuted Church, and how you can be more involved in intercession for these precious saints, go here.
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Joel Rosenberg on New Iran President
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Evidence of new Iran president's radicalism emerging
-- he is no "moderate reformer," despite what media says
Jerusalem, Israel, June 19, 2013) -- You've really got to hand it to Iranian Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The man is one of the most evil tyrants on the face of the earth. He is pursuing nuclear weapons to wipe Israel and the U.S. off the map. He wants to usher in the caliphate of the Twelfth Imam and bring about the apocalyptic End of Days. Yet he is desperately trying to prevent Israel -- or any other country -- from launching preemptive military strikes and neutralizing Iran's nuclear weapons program. Thus, Khamenei is trying to use the rigged current presidential elections to recast Iran as suddenly moving in a more "moderate" direction, and thus persuading the West to ease up on economic sanctions and pressure Israel to back off.
And the Western media is totally buying it. They are painting the "election" of Hassan Rouhani as the new President of Iran as a the triumph of a "reformer." Nothing could be further from the truth.
Evidence is emerging that Rouhani is a dangerous Radical Shia Muslim who is deeply committed to the Ayatollah Khamenei, and Iran's nuclear program, and to building atomic bombs in secret.
On my blog, I've posted a number of news articles and quite a bit of analysis (including an assessment by a top Iranian Christian leader). Consider a few facts:
- Hassan Rouhani was endorsed by the only Iranian leader ever to publicly call for Israel to be destroyed by nuclear weapons.
- Iran's Hassan Rowhani rules out halt to uranium enrichment programme (London Telegraph)
- Rohani once approved of hiding Iran atomic work (Reuters) -- very detailed and disturbing article.
Read more here.
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The Daily Jot
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Where your tax dollar goes
We know one thing: your tax money isn't going to provide warm breakfasts for our troops overseas and school children are not going to visit the White House this year, and many who work for the government are going on furlough because of the way this White House is handling budget cuts. What we do know is that the occupant of the Oval Office is busy spending our tax dollars on propping up Islamists in the name of "humanitarian aid" for Syrian refugees--$300 million in Syria, $72 million in Lebanon, $45 million in Jordan, $24 million in Iraq, $22 million in Turkey and $6 million in Egypt. How do I know? The White House web site says so. But this money likely makes its way to the enemies of America.
This Administration's fascination with Sharia-based Islam reaches beyond any budgeting and oversight by Congress. For example, the US announced unilaterally that it would pursue peace talks in Afghanistan with the Taliban terrorist opposition--the very entity that blows up our boys with roadside bombs every chance it gets. This infuriated Hamid Karzai, the president of Afghanistan because the Taliban continues its terrorist attacks on his government. Now mind you, this government is a Sharia government that the US set up under the previous president. It does not support religious freedom or women's rights as we know it. But our taxes prop up this government. The Taliban is even worse.
A Reuters story by Oliver Holmes and Alexander Dziadosz reports that what started as a peaceful protest in Syria in 2011 and morphed into an armed revolution by small groups of "moderate" Muslims is now being taken over by Islamists who want to institute Sharia law. Translated, this means Muslim Brotherhood-backed al Qaeda. The story tells the tale about how a reform-minded moderate raised an 2,000-strong army of misfits to fight the Assad government. When they were strong enough, Islamic extremists attacked them, routed them, and took all their weapons. Reuters reports this is the pattern across Syria. The leader said "What we have built in two years disappeared in a single day."
What We the People have built in 237 years is disappearing in the five years of a single president. And to think we have another three years left. Yes, the slippery slope started a few presidents back, but this one is putting all things on a fast track. It seems that the people of the United States are in a slumber over not only our foreign policy wickedness, but also on the problems domestically. When a government of the people runs amuck, it is usually because the people themselves have disengaged. Primarily, the people in this nation have disengaged from God. From the pulpit to the citizen of God's kingdom, we need to engage differently. As Christ said in Mark 16:15, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
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G-8 Summit Split on Syria
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G-8 SUMMIT MEETS WITH SPLIT ON SYRIAN ISSUE
Ahead of a meeting of leaders of industrialized nations that is likely to be dominated by the crisis in Syria, Prime Minister David Cameron of Britain said Monday that he found some elements of the Syrian opposition worrying, but that he sought to keep open the option of arming those who want a democratic future.
Even before leaders had arrived for the two-day meeting, differences were evident on Sunday when President Vladimir V. Putin, who has supported the government of President Bashar al-Assad of Syria, warned against arming the rebels there. (Intercessors for America)
- Pray for God's wisdom to prevail in the affairs of state. Pray for God's intervention in order to bring His peace to the nations involved. Continue also to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. God is not just above all principalities and powers, He is "far above" all principalities and powers.
- "Far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come." (Ephesians 1:21)
Second Update on Syria:
TIME FOR A CLEAR PLAN OF ACTION ON SYRIA
How President Obama plans to apply U.S. power in Syria, if he does so, remains lost not in the fog of war, but of indecision.
Two years into the uprising against President Bashar Assad, after more than 90,000 deaths, the White House said on Thursday that the U.S. would start providing arms to rebel forces. The rationale was Assad had used chemical weapons on a small scale in the conflict, thereby violating the red line Obama had set for him. (Intercessors for America)
- Pray that the Lord will grant clear insight, divine wisdom, and understanding to U.S. policy makers regarding the disposition of Syria. Our military leaders and their Commander in Chief need the "wisdom that is from above" to traverse the present Middle East mine field and to keep American interests paramount. Pray especially for the safety of all the Christians caught in the cross fire of the Syrian strife.
- "Far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come." (Ephesians 1:21)
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A Message from Dutch Sheets
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A Message from Dutch Sheets:
"Arise in Your Authority"
The question of who's in control is a governmental issue.
We often think of government only in its civil sense, but Webster's defines govern as "to direct and control; to regulate by authority; to influence; to direct; to restrain; to steer or to regulate the course of; to exercise authority to maintain the superiority." To exercise authority is to govern.
Praying with authority, therefore, is "governmental intercession."
So in essence, this is an issue of government-not politics, but prayer!
Politicians and government officials legislate through man-made laws and rulings. We legislate through spiritual laws, principles, and activities. We legislate through prayer!
This drive to govern and this call to legislate, is "for such a time as this." In scripture this phrase was used to describe a season in which the life of a nation was at stake (Esther 4:14). Esther and Mordacai, of course, were used by God to thwart wicked Haman's attempt to eradicate the Jews.
Church, it's time to arise in God's governmental authority!
(To read this entire article, go here.)
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The Good News Corner
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The Good News Corner:
Arizona School Choice Program to Expand
Arizona lawmakers have approved the expansion of a ground-breaking education savings program that allows parents to choose where to educate their children. The legislation is on its way to the governor's desk.
The Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program, passed by lawmakers in 2011, lets parents of qualifying students in kindergarten through 12th grade use scholarships to attend private schools, enroll in online education or obtain private tutoring.
"This program is on the cutting edge of the school-choice movement in that it gives parents a high level of choice and control in picking the best education options for their kids," said Candi Cushman, CitizenLink education analyst. (CitizenLink)
Read more.
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Pray for the Harvest!
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Pray for the Harvest!
"Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." (John 4:35)
Every day, in every nation on earth, tens of thousands of men and women are making decisions for Christ. Now, you can monitor this amazing fact online by literally "watching" as these souls are born again into the Kingdom.
Of course, the identities of those who are coming to the Lord are never revealed, but our God knows who they are!
Join us as we monitor these "names" daily, praying over each one to be mentored and to grow in his or her faith . . . even in these perilous times. You may visit either or both of the sites below, to pray for fields that are ripe for harvest.
> > > OPTION ONE: AboutJesus.net
Go here!
> > > OPTION TWO: The Great Commission Map!
Go here!
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Worship With Us Today!
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Worship With Us Today!
CREATOR KING (with Lyrics)
Don Moen
You who made the mountains and the sea
Measured out the universe and You made me
Echoes of the voice that called the worlds to be
Reach throughout the ages and now speak to me
You're my Creator King
You who made the valleys and the skies
Displayed Your love on far horizons and before my eyes
You who lit the stars and set the dawn in time
Called them all by name and now You whisper mine
You're my Creator King
Who am I that You are mindful of me? Yeah
Who am I that You sent Your love on me?
You're my Creator King
You who made the darkness and the light
Sun and moon to watch the day and guard the night
The hand that stretched the Heavens like a canopy
Reaches down to cover and watch over me
You're my Creator King
Who am I? Who am I that You are mindful of me?
Who am I that You sent Your love on me?
Who am I that You are mindful of me?
Who am I that You sent Your love on me? Yeah
You're my Creator King, You're my Creator King
You're my Creator King, You're my Creator King
