"Holy, Holy, Holy" - 30 December 2018
We add our voices to the 4 living creatures and the 24 elders who worship
you, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and
is to come! … “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and
power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were
created” (Revelation 4.8b, 11). Glory to you, Lord God, Most High!
Lord Jesus, who loves your church, and cherishes each local, particular
congregation; we pray for your church in all places, including this fellowship,
and all of our sister churches in Oklahoma: Redeemer-Edmond, City Pres., Christ
the King, 1st Reformed in Minco, Grace in Stillwater, Shawnee Pres.,
Christ Presbyterian in Tulsa and Claremore, Ethos, Three Rivers, Riveroaks, and
Trinity-Owasso. Bring us ever closer to you, draw us ever upward that we may
always reach outward. Through us bring to light what is the plan of the mystery
hidden for ages in you who created all things; and may your manifold wisdom be
made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. And may we be
a display of your eternal purpose that is realized in Christ Jesus our Lord; in
whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.
(Ephesians 3:9-12).
Lord, who resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4.6);
we recall your wholesome words and healthy writings that retell to us that “When
pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom” (Proverbs
11:2); that “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a
fall. It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the
spoil with the proud” (Proverbs 16:18-19); and that you “dwell … with
him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly,
and to revive the heart of the contrite” (Isaiah 57:15). Therefore, may we
all be known as your humble people, gentle and lowly in heart like our Lord
Jesus (Matthew 11.29). And may our politicians and policymakers be humble
rather than haughty and hoity-toity.
Father, we ask your preserving care to be over all of our folks, and
our family who are travelling now to get back to their homes… And, Father,
there are some who are sick; some recovering from surgery; and others quietly
dealing with growing physical limitations…in each of these conditions you
remind us that we are mortal, and not gods or supermen. Thank you, Father, for
the reminder. In every discomfort and displeasure that comes we know that in
some way they are good reminders from you, our loving Father.
In every nation throughout our world, please set up good governments that
will seek to be fair, where the leaders will care more for the welfare of their
people than lining their own pockets or securing their own power. And in those lands where your people are being
hounded and harassed – such as China, we pray that you would show your people a
sign of your favor, that those who hate them may see and be put to shame because
you, LORD, have helped your people and comforted them (Psalm 86.17).
Finally, we call to mind family, friends, neighbors, co-workers,
enemies, and acquaintances who have not confessed Jesus Christ as Lord and
continue to walk in darkness; as well as those who have turned away from the
Christian Faith…..save them, O Lord, in your great mercy! Amen.
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