Pastoral/Congregational Prayer - 20 January 2013


[You might find this a useful format for your time of prayer this week. And if you are leading worship in your congregation, feel free to us this modifying the specifics to your locale]

Lord God the Almighty, who delights in executing lovingkindness, justice and righteous throughout the earth, we pray for the Church and our world: For all of those who are oppressed, enslaved, abused, tormented by the cruelties of others, forced into sex trafficking, shackled to destructive addictions, and held captive by thugs and drug cartels; have mercy on them, set them free, and provide all they need. Lord, hear our prayer.

For those who are being truly persecuted for the Christian Faith (as in Nigeria, Syria, Iraq etc); and for those who are working in the name of Christ to alleviate poverty, famine, plague, enslavement of every kind (Like Anna’s House Foundation, Project 66, BirthChoice of Edmond and OKC); have mercy and grant them success in their endeavors. Lord, hear our prayer.

For your Church throughout the world, this congregation, [Providence Presbyterian of Lubbock, Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and these churches in Edmond and Oklahoma City, St. George Greek Orthodox Church; Quail Springs United Methodist Church; LifeChurch; Trinity Christian Church and the Free Methodist Church of Edmond]; by Your Holy Spirit and Holy Scriptures, defend us from error, reform us where we have gone astray, lead us into all truth, and fill us with Christian courage to resist the world, the flesh and the devil. Lord, hear our prayer.

Please be with the nations of this world, esp. Mali, Afghanistan, Venezuela, Algiers and Mexico; establish good order and lawful justice that their peoples may live safe, that the Gospel may go forth unhindered, and Your church may dwell peaceful and secure. Lord, hear our prayer.

For these United States of America we pray for you to lead our leaders to make decisions and enforce laws that are fair and honorable; that the citizens of our land may prosper in health, wealth, and civility, and that Your people may live in peace and quietness. Lord, hear our prayer.

Be the shield and protection for our military personnel, first responders, firefighters and law enforcement delivering them from harm; and bring those who are deployed home safe. Lord, hear our prayer.

For those who are unbelievers and those who have strayed from the Faith we pray….[silence to quietly mention names]...may they have faith in Christ, repentance unto life, and diligently use all the outward means by which Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption. Lord, hear our prayer.

For those whose faith is shaken because of emotional struggles, betrayal and discouragements…[silence to quietly mention names]...; lift them up, building up their confidence in you, and give them loads of encouragement. Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for those who are in pain, for those who are fighting for their lives and health, for those who are having troubles in their homes and families, for those who are going thru vocational instability, and for those in great financial hardship…[silence to quietly mention names]..give them the help they need, and a satisfactory conclusion to all their distresses. All of these prayers we offer through Your Son, Jesus Christ, as we now sing:
Hear our prayer, O Lord; hear our prayer, O Lord.Incline thine ear to us, and grant us thy peace. Amen (Trinity Hymnal 728).
---
Mike

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