Pastoral Prayer: 25 May 2014 PM
[You have liberty to use this in your church or personal devotions. May your heart be lifted. Mike]
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Our hearts and minds are lifted up to you, O our God, in rich appreciation. As Jonathan told his armor bearer when they took the daring risk to engage the Philistines, “nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few” (1 Samuel 14.6). There is nothing, no one, no condition, no circumstance, no competitor, no cerebral malfunction, no failure of courage, no catastrophe that can hinder you from saving, rescuing, and triumphing! And therefore, there is no created thing out there or in here that can separate us from your love! No, in fact, because this is who you are, then truly in all these things we are more than conquerors through yourself who has loved us – and the seal, the guarantee of this truth is Christ crucified for our transgressions (O what costly love!) and is risen for our justification (Romans 8.37-39, 4.25)!
Holy God, see the nations, the peoples and countries
world over. Fuming and raging (Syria, Mexico and Thailand); firing warning
shots at one another and rattling sabers (North and South Korea); rioting in
the streets (Venezuela); kidnapping girls (Nigeria); trafficking in human lives
(India, Africa and North America)! Some Governments, who should care for the
prosperity and peacefulness of their people, are crushing and vandalizing them.
Some Leaders, who should be leading in fairness and decency, are fleecing their
constituents or corrupting their offices. Dear God, have mercy on our world. Bring
about civil goodness, justice, and liberty. O Lord, hear our prayer.
Almighty
God, our heavenly Father, in whose hands are the living and the dead; we give you
thanks for all those who have laid down their lives in the service of our
country, and especially in living memory. Grant to their families your mercy
and the light of your presence. And so that their sacrifices may not be in
vain, please keep our nation under your care, and guide us in the way of
justice and truth. O Lord, hear our
prayer.
Lord
Jesus; be with Exxx and Txxx while out in the field, and Mxx as soon as she goes
forth. Preserve them from harmful circumstances, hurtful germs, and hostile
peoples. Open doors for them that they may show your love, as well as tell your
good news. May your hand be upon them for good, and may these adventures enrich
them, for your honor’s sake. O Lord,
hear our prayer.
We pray
for unbelievers all around us…by the proclamation of the Gospel, blessing of
Christ, and working of your Spirit, bring them to faith in Jesus and repentance
of their sins. O Lord, hear our prayer.
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