Our Deliverer - 21 November 2021

 

O Lord Jesus Christ, who lovingly has given yourself for our sins, to deliver us from this present evil age, to deliver us from the dominance of the devil, and to deliver us from the fearful bondage of death, thank you! And as our great High Priest you regard the humble prayers of all who call upon you, all who call upon you in truth. Incline your ear and hear.

Look upon your Holy, Universal Church which you are sanctifying, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, including this church and Southern Baptist Chapel, Southern Hills Baptist, Southpointe Church, and Southwest Baptist Church. Straighten out, O Lord, and have mercy upon all us ministers, pastors, elders, and overseers of your Church: aid us to shepherd the flock of God that is among us, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as you would have us do; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in our charge, but being examples to the flock (1 Peter 5:2-3). Remember your servants who are under persecution for your sake and for the sake of your holy gospel; vindicate and refresh them. Keep your Church whole and harmonious and repair the rifts and rips in the churches. Snuff out the burning fires of those opposed to your reign and bring to nothing those who are unstable and willingly twist the writings of Paul and the rest of Scriptures to their own destruction (2 Peter 3:16). Salvage, O Lord, and have mercy upon those who have evil intent toward us, who seek to trap and ensnare us, and who rail and rant against us; forgive them, change their minds and directions, and through Jesus Christ may we and they be reconciled and together come, worship, and bow down; kneeling before the LORD our Maker (Psalm 95:6)!

Arouse, O Lord, and have mercy upon all who have pushed you away, all who are terribly mistaken and think they have no need of your rescue, and those who are pioneering their own way (…).

Refresh, O Lord, and have mercy upon all who are loaded down with a weight of care, bowed down under disease or dread, doubled over with pain or panic, (…). Surround them with those who care and can give them a hand to hold; give them professionals and friends through whom you would bring help, healing, and hope.

Work, O Lord, and have mercy upon all world rulers. Work, O Lord, and have mercy upon on our own Supreme Court Justices. Work, O Lord, and have mercy upon on all other magistrates, and all the inhabitants of this land. Bring us, each and everyone, to speak the truth to one another; to render in our gates judgments that are true and make for peace; and to avoid and eschew the things you hate like devising evil in our hearts against others and loving false oaths (Zechariah 8:16).

And so, Lord Jesus, what we have here faithfully asked may we, please, effectively obtain for the honor of your name! And toward this end we pray as we have been taught, saying, Our Father…