"Answer Me, O LORD" - 1 November 2020

 

As you said to Jeremiah: “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me” (Jeremiah 32:26-27)? Therefore, LORD God of all flesh, we come in joyful confidence and confident joy, to present to you our desires. And with the Psalmist we say:  Answer me, O LORD, for your steadfast love is good; according to your abundant mercy, turn to me (Psalm 69:16).

Rain down your mercy, peace, direction, good order and compassion on all the nations of the world (Turkey, Cameroon, Nigeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and others) so that the inhabitants of all lands may have the medical care, education, clean drinking water, security and concord essential for their wellbeing. Answer me, O LORD, for your steadfast love is good; according to your abundant mercy, turn to me.

Rain down your mercy, peace, direction, good order and compassion upon these United States of America and the State of Oklahoma. Alleviate the enslavement to Meth, Opioids and Gambling afflicting so many regions of our country and State, and restore hope, life, and meaning! Thank you for the utility workers from OG&E and other companies, who have been spending so much time restoring power to so many. And, Good Lord, help us through this election that is so contentious and is straining families and churches. Orchestrate the election in such ways as will provide our land wholesome leadership. Give us sense and sensibility while considering State Questions. Have mercy on us individually, in our families, neighborhoods, cities, states and nation. Answer me, O LORD, for your steadfast love is good; according to your abundant mercy, turn to me.

Rain down your mercy, peace, direction, good order and compassion on your Church all around this globe; this congregation; Restoration Church; Passion Church; People’s Church; and Powerhouse Church of God. Grant us to grow roots downward into the fertile soil of your grace, and to bear fruits upward to the glory of your name, to the salvation of many, and to the benefit of all lands. And Lord, we thank you for the faithful lives and godly examples of your holy people who have lived, loved and died. We thank you for grandmothers and grandfathers, parents, and fellow Christians who have gone from us: (…). May their faithful example and exemplary faith encourage us and spur us further up and further on. Answer me, O LORD, for your steadfast love is good; according to your abundant mercy, turn to me.

Rain down your mercy, peace, direction, good order and compassion on those who find their bodies, emotions, families, lives and futures in disarray and disorder, and on those who are healing up from surgery and sickness (…). Answer me, O LORD, for your steadfast love is good; according to your abundant mercy, turn to me.

All of these prayers, spoken and unspoken, we offer up in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, and cry out to you: Answer me, O LORD, for your steadfast love is good; according to your abundant mercy, turn to me. Amen.


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