"Restore Us, O Lord God" - 23 August 2020


Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth; stir up your might and come to save us (Psalm 80:1-2)!

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, as we pray on behalf of your Church wherever she gathers, including this congregation, along with Covenant Community Church, Covenant Life Church, Crossings Community Church and Eastpointe Community Church. May she have strength to endure the heat of day and the gloom of night. May she have courage to maintain her witness with honesty and integrity. May she be comforted in her tribulations and hold faithful in her good fortunes. Restore us, O LORD God of hosts! Let your face shine, that we may be saved (Psalm 80:19)!

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, as we pray for those who are pursuing ordination in Gospel ministry (…). May they be shaped by the hands of the master artisan into good under-shepherds, compassionate pastors, diligent and resilient in Gospel proclamation and healthy doctrine. Be with the elders of your church (…) that together they may pay careful attention to the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made them overseers, to care for the church which you obtained with your own blood. Restore us, O LORD God of hosts! Let your face shine, that we may be saved!

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, as we pray for all peoples; those displaced by war and pillaging, famine and drought; those in California and Colorado impacted by the fires; those in OKC area who are homeless, whether runaways, mentally ill, wounded veterans, etc.; those who are in rehabs and halfway houses in the area; those in shelters fleeing domestic violence. Let them find you mighty to save, kindhearted to mend, generous to restore. Thank you for those who reach out with care and provide safe places; fill them with all of the resources and manpower they need to continue. Restore us, O LORD God of hosts! Let your face shine, that we may be saved!

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, as we pray for our country and leaders. You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth; bring the wicked, twisted, immoral, violent and perverse to justice and salvation. Lead our nation, our States, our cities through this election season with clear-headed-clear-eyed insight. Give us – O God, have mercy – give us quality leaders that we as a nation might not deserve because of our sins and wickedness, but truly need. Restore us, O LORD God of hosts! Let your face shine, that we may be saved!

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, as we pray for the hurting, disillusioned, disheartened, run down, and weary (…). Let your hand be upon them to make them strong for yourself. Restore us, O LORD God of hosts! Let your face shine, that we may be saved!

Turn again, O God of hosts! Look down from heaven and see; have regard for us; give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, then we shall not turn back from you; give us life, and we will call upon your name! Restore us, O LORD God of hosts! Let your face shine, that we may be saved!

 

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