"O God of Our Salvation" - 15 November 2020
O God of
our salvation, who visits the earth and waters it; who greatly enriches it; who
provides us grain, waters the furrows abundantly, settling its ridges,
softening it with showers, and blessing its growth; who crowns the year with
your bounty and makes the pastures of the wilderness overflow so that the hills
gird themselves with joy, the meadows clothe themselves with flocks, the
valleys deck themselves with grain, and they shout and sing together for joy
(Psalm 65:9-13). We join all creation remembering your rich goodness, and
rejoicing!
God of
the Ages and Generations; thank you for our forbearers in the faith who have
gone before us, the examples they have left us, and benefit of their wisdom
they have bequeathed to us. Just as we honor our fathers and mothers, may we
always honor our fathers and mothers in the faith, even with all of their
shortcomings and sins. Brace and bolster your people who are presently walking
in the path of martyrdom and maltreatment. Bring reformation, reclamation, and
resilience to your church in North America. And be with this congregation, Soldier
Creek Church of Christ, Southern Ridge Church of Christ, Templo De Alabanza,
and the Church of Acts. May we take care that we are not carried away with the
error of lawless people and lose our own stability. But rather that we would
grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be
the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen (2 Peter 3:17-18).
You who have
kept count of our tossings, have put our tears in your bottle, and have logged
them into your ledger (Psalm 56:8); hear the vocal and silent lamentations of
those aggrieved and anguished (…). Hold them close, dry their tears, and give
them undying hope.
O you
who hear the hurts and see the wounds of those wronged by others, we implore
you to help us to bless those who persecute us; bless and not curse them. Help
us to rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Help us to
repay no one evil for evil, but to give thought to do what is honorable in the
sight of all. And if possible, so far as it depends on us, to live peaceably
with all. Help us to not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good
(Romans 12:14-21).
You who
are YHWH raphe – the LORD our healer;
and YHWH yir’eh – the LORD who
provides: pour out your sustaining strength and refreshing rest on all those
aching and agonizing, hurting and healing, weak and weary (…).
O God of
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who promised to our forbearers that through their
offspring you would bless all of the families and nations of the earth: take
care for all countries, tribes and clans of this world, these United States of
America, and the State of Oklahoma. Arrange and organize local, national, and
international affairs in such ways as will promote and progress wholesome
goodness and good health. Give your people favor in all lands, that we may be
part of your promise to bless all nations through Jesus Christ the offspring of
Abraham; and may your Gospel run freely!
Good
Father, we ask all of these requests because you invite us to draw near to you
with all holy reverence and confidence, as children to a Father who is able and
ready to help us. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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