"Our Father Who Art in Heaven" - 24 September 2017

Our Father who art in heaven: you rule over all creation, seen and unseen, visible and invisible. You are compassionate toward all, bringing rain, sun, and wellbeing to the just and the unjust. But you also are Judge of the whole earth who does what is just (Genesis 18.25). We lift up our hearts and hands in praise of you.

Hallowed by thy name: since we know and believe that you are the greatest good, then for you to be exalted in the imaginations, dispositions and considerations of humankind is to exalt that which is of greatest good for all. We pray you would come to be honored by all peoples, nations, tribes and language groups; and we pray that your name and person and authority would always be honored in your church throughout the world, this congregation and Southside Assembly of God; Spring Creek Assembly of God; Triumph Family Worship Center; Alameda Baptist Church; and Antioch Institutional Baptist Church.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven: We long to see your world rescue operation filling out and filling our earth. To that end we pray that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be honored among us and all people; and that you would establish us and all of your people and guard us against the evil one, as you direct our hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 3.1-5). But also we pray for our world, with all of its teaming host of nations and tribes, as well as its leaders, to include the President of Vanuatu, Tallis Obed Moses; the President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro; and the President of Vietnam, Trần Đại Quang. Bring justice, compassion, equity and lawfulness to prevail in all places; fortify infrastructures, education, medical care, and Law Enforcement; secure clean drinking water, commerce and literacy; and raise up effective intermediaries and arbitrators to bring about genuine peacefulness where there have been severe conflicts. And where evil is deeply ensconced and established, break its power and replace it with good.

Give us this day our daily bread: Father, take in hand our lives; give aid to those in need financially and physically…; provide for those who lack jobs or income or means…; take care of the house parents, administrators and kids at the Boys Ranch Town here in Edmond.

Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors: Especially in our families and among our once close associates, but also in all of our relationships: help us to be a forgiving people, gracious, charitable, and as lenient toward others as we are to ourselves. And, Lord, where there have been estrangements and ruptures, heal those relations and bring reconciliation.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one: Let anyone who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. And since no temptation has overtaken us that is not common to man, we firmly believe that you are faithful, and will not let us be tempted beyond our ability, but with the temptation you will also provide the way of escape, that we may be able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10.12-13).  And so, please, show yourself strong on our account.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen!