"Blessed" - 12 May 2019


Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways! You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you. Since Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, we pray for the church here and world over, for this congregation, as well as First Church of God, Freshstart Community Church, Iglesia De Dios Pentecostes, and Midwest City Church of God. We ask that by blessing of your Son, by the reforming and revitalizing work of your Spirit, by the faithful reading, preaching and teaching of your Scriptures, and by the right administration of your sacraments, Jesus might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish (Ephesians 5.25-27). Further, we ask you to be with those in our families and in our congregation, who need heart or healing or help…

Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD. We remember the mothers in our lives today, the hours of often selfless toil, maternal worry, and tender care. We are especially thankful for the godly mothers who displayed humble, resilient and affectionate faith! We ask you to draw our mothers closer to you where there is fullness of joy. Give them hope; strengthen, encourage and refresh them. Some here may have sad memories with regard to their mothers; please mend that sadness. Some mothers and their children may be at serious odds with each other; please effect repentance where either mother or child has sinned; and where at all possible, bring reunion and reconciliation.

The LORD bless you from Zion! May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life! May you see your children's children! Peace be upon Israel! Look upon our country, our leaders, the citizens and inhabitants of this land. For the honor of your name; for the sake of your church; for the advantage of our nation; and for the interest of all who dwell within our borders; may goodness grow, justice thrive, liberty succeed, godliness prosper, education boom, lawfulness rise, civility spread, the economy turn up, and the job market enlarge. And that your people may be a blessing to their host countries, may peace and prosperity prevail through all the nations of this globe (Taken from Psalm 128). 

Show us your mercy, O Lord; and grant us your salvation. Clothe your ministers with righteousness; and make your chosen people joyful. Give peace, O Lord, in all the world; for only in you can we live in safety. Lord, keep this nation under your care; and guide us in the way of justice and truth. Let your way be known upon earth; your saving health among all nations. Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten; nor the hope of the poor perish forever. Create in us clean hearts, O God; and renew us with your Holy Spirit. In Jesus name.

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