Vespers - 10 December 2017


(For salvation): As you mentioned in Ezekiel, LORD God, you do not take any pleasure in the death of the wicked, but would rather that they should turn from their way and live (Ezekiel 18.23); and as Paul announces that you, O God our Savior, desire all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2.3-4). Therefore we pray for unbelievers and those who have left the fold and wondered as sheep lost in the wildness and the wilderness…Through conversations with us, or because of the season with all of the Christmas carols and posted reminders recounting your Son’s saving work, grant them to become confident that there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, and may they call on the name of the Lord and so find salvation (1 Timothy 2.5-6). O Lord, hear our prayer.

(For social plights): Great God, there are fires raging again in California, shootings in schools and throughout our States; many in our communities are angry, depressed, and uncivil; there are heaps of families that have broken relationships, missing parents or removed children; countless people are digging deep debt holes; several are enslaved to meth and opioids like heroine, fentanyl, and pain meds; others are confusing their sexuality and identity and then shoving it onto others demanding acceptance. Lord, the list can go on and on… Please rain down your mercy on us and our land; build up sense and sensibility; remediate our broken programs and procedures, like DHS, foster care, Judicial system, education establishments, neighborhoods, etc. Bring order to the disorder, that all may know you, and your name be lifted high.  O Lord, hear our prayer. 

(For the Christmas Season):God rest ye merry, gentlemen; Let nothing you dismay; Remember, Christ, our Savior; Was born on Christmas day; To save us all from Satan's power; When we were gone astray; O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy; O tidings of comfort and joy.” By way of all the Christmas Eve services in our land, Carols ricocheting around Mall walls, Cards filling up mailboxes, and family festivities: may this season, Lord, testify of your goodness and honor; and be used by you to bring joy to the world in ways that are beyond our human concoctions and creations! We long to hear hosts of people wholeheartedly bellowing and believing: “Hark the herald angels sing; "Glory to the newborn King! Peace on earth and mercy mild; God and sinners reconciled" Joyful, all ye nations rise; Join the triumph of the skies; With the angelic host proclaim: "Christ is born in Bethlehem" Hark! The herald angels sing; "Glory to the newborn King!"  O Lord, hear our prayer.

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