"O LORD, You Hear the Desire of the Afflicted" - 28 October 2018

O LORD, as the Psalm-writer says, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more (Psalm 10.17-18). For these reasons, and more, we make bold to call on you, to call on you in truth (Psalm 145.18).

O great God, mighty Sovereign, we pray for our world, all the national governments and their citizens, and our own country. May sound-thinking prevail in all realms and all communities. We pray for Bxxxxxx’s home country of Cameroon, with all of the strife that has been simmering and has now begun to boil over; turn this situation around for good. Bring those in power – the leaders of various separatist groups and the president – to think out what is in the best interests of all, not just their tribe or faction. Watch over Bxxxxxx’s parents, and the many other displaced people who have fled for their lives. Preserve them, protect them, and provide for their needs. We also plead with you for the thousands of people who are fleeing the violence and poverty of Central America and Mexico. Hear their cry for help, and set them in a safe place where they may be able to get re-established, grow their families, and have legitimate vocations to care for their own. Help us with these upcoming mid-term elections and ballot votes. Show that you are sovereign over elections and ballots. And may all parties and participants come again to work together for the greater good.

For your church on every continent, including this congregation, Southpark Baptist Church, Springdale Baptist, Stable Rock Baptist, and Sunnylane Southern Baptist Church, we pray. Some of our brothers and sisters simply need you to protect them from evil; please, Lord. Some want your help in remaining faithful and loyal, so that they’re not outwitted by Satan, ignorant of his designs (2 Corinthians 2.11); please, Lord. Others require your involvement in getting them to stand on their own two feet, grow, and grow healthy; please, Lord. And all of us need you to direct our hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ (2 Thessalonians 3.5); please, Lord.

Look upon the many seminaries in our land whose purpose is to educate and form leaders for your church: especially Puritan-Reformed, Westminster and Redeemer Seminaries at their various campuses. May those in our seminaries grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Provide the funds and resources to keep the seminaries running smoothly. And grant that the professors would be godly, sober-minded, and able to teach well.

Hold up those walking or stumbling through rough seasons and storms…and help us to tend them with your mercy and comfort.

Finally, save and rescue those who have no faith and confidence in your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord…and give us the nerve to be your way of Gospel grace to them.

Amen.