Deus Misereatur

Saturday, 3 November 2012 Holy and mighty God, who practices steadfast love, justice and righteousness in the earth, and delights in them; direct the hands and hearts of the electorate this coming Tuesday, that we may see clearly who would be best  to lead our land in steadfast love, justice and righteousness, and then to vote appropriately. May the end result be wholesome leaders set up in office; people of genuine integrity, honesty, and godly virtue; people who will unflinchingly stand on the principles of rectitude, honor and uprightness. May our country thrive, and our nation’s inhabitants prove to be a moral and honorable people, for the common good, and for the wellbeing of your Church. We ask these things in the joyful fellowship of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayerfully reflecting on Jeremiah 9.23-24) Mike

Friday, 2 November 2012 Merciful God, your Scriptures warn us for our good with these words; “A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.” For generations we have voted for programs, laws and politicians out of a heart dripping with envy, jealousy and greed, and now it feels as if the bones of our country are rotting. Angry that others were prospering, we have pushed for heavier taxation, consoling ourselves with “they can afford it; they don’t have a right to so much money. How dare they!” Jealous that some have better privileges and advantages, we have yearned for them to be dragged down to our level. Greedy for our own personal peace and affluence, we have clamored for greater and heavier dependence on governmental safety nets and securities. We have increasingly been looking to our civil authorities (and others) as if they were gods, or demi-gods who should be able to fix every catastrophe, ailment and trauma; and if they don’t (because they can’t)...

Thursday, 1 November 2012 Almighty God, in whose hands the king’s heart is as a stream of water, turned whichever way you will; regardless of the results of this upcoming election, please bring around what is best for our nation. And please restore the gift and value of God-ordained marriage - one man and one woman, where for better or for worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, they will love and cherish one another until death parts them; similarly, please rebuild the important, godly virtue of celibacy for those who are gifted with singleness; so that whether married or single, the people of this land may flourish in chastity and purity. We ask this in union with your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen. (Prayerfully reflecting on Proverbs 21.1, and marriage vows) Mike

Wednesday, 31 October 2012 Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, guide and direct, we humbly beseech you, the minds of all those who are called at this time to exercise the responsible duty of electing fit persons to serve in the government of this nation, state and city (or town). Grant that the effect and right issue of their choice may promote your glory, the welfare of this people, and the peaceful wellbeing of your Church; and to all those who shall be elected, give, we pray, the spirit of wisdom, courage, sympathy, and true godliness. And this we ask for the sake of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. (Adapted and modified from Prayers for Pastor and People , 39) Mike

As election day 2012 approaches fast and furious, in the midst of storms and consternation, I am going to post a non-partisan prayer-a-day through Tuesday of next week. They will be lifted and adapted from various sources, which will be noted. I hope you will return daily and join me and others as we pray for our country. ----- Tuesday, 30 October 2012 Almighty God, who holds us to account for the use of all our powers and privileges:  Guide, we pray, the people of these United States of America in the election of their rulers and representatives; that by wise legislations and faithful administration the rights of all, free-born, foreign born and unborn , may be protected, and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Adapted and modified from The Book of Common Worship-1946 ) ---- Mike

Below is the prayer for Sunday evening, 28 October 2012. Feel free to use it in your church & let me know if you do. ------- Holy God, you have announced to us in Isaiah 57, “For thus says the One who is high & lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high & holy place, & also with him who is of a contrite & lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, & to revive the heart of the contrite.” We come as your humble people, renouncing our own supposed righteousness, knowing that you are good, it’s your steadfast love that endures forever. We pray for our fathers still living & the fathers here; you are the essence of true fatherhood & all that earthly fatherhood is supposed to reflect. Therefore, grant us fathers to replicate your fatherly kindness; fill us with your fatherly wisdom that we may know better how to be proper fathers, & see our children prosper under our care. & for any fathers estranged...