"Our Father, High and Lofty One" - 23 August 2015 AM


Our Father, high and lofty One, who inhabits eternity; whose name is holy; you dwell in the high and holy place with those who have a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of contrite ones (Isaiah 57.15). We come and pray, not in our own strength, but in the Spirit and in the name of Jesus.

For the downtrodden, the devastated, the worn out, the distraught of this world, and for these we pray…..look upon them with warm compassion, impart your peace, health and deliverance.

And we also ask you to fortify the work of Project 66, the Hope Center, Anna’s House and Christian foster care organizations here in Oklahoma financially, with dedicated people, and with success.

For those who do not believe and for those who have tripped or tromped away, we pray….may your Spirit apply to them the redemption purchased by Christ, working faith in them and uniting them to Christ in their effectual calling.

For the peace of our troubled world and all her people (specifically Mexico, Tunisia, Afghanistan, Syria, North and South Korea, and Venezuela), we plead with you that malevolence and brutality might be restrained and that peace and justice might prevail. We especially ask you to neutralize the angry, inhuman violence of ISIL - strike all your enemies on the cheek; break the teeth of the wicked (Psalm 3.7); Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer; call his wickedness to account till you find none (Psalm 10.15).

For all those who govern the U.S.A., the State of Oklahoma, Oklahoma-Lincoln-Canadian and Cleveland counties; as well as Oklahoma City and its environs: we ask that they would govern with wisdom from above in these troubled times, with healthy compassion for those in need, with godly justice for all, born and unborn.

For your holy worldwide Church, as well as for May Ave Church of the Nazarene; New Life Community Church; Oakcliff Church; 1st Nazarene of OKC; Penn Ave Church; and Providence Church of the Nazarene: deliver them from the snares, deceptions and assaults of the evil one; build up their resources that they make lack nothing needful; and fill them with sustaining courage as they fulfill your mission.

For this congregation, please strengthen, hearten and enrich our elders and deacons in all of the good work you have called them to. May their loving, caring service toughen our faithful resolve, and bolster vital godliness. And help us to be a sacred and safe sanctuary for those coming out of the winds and wastelands, that with us they may come to serve and worship you.

Finally, Lord, we call upon you to enrich all those who will be gathering at the Goodnews Festival this afternoon. May your Gospel be clear, Christ be exalted, and many come to faith.

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