"O LORD, Who Created..." - 14 August 2022

 

O LORD, who created the heavens (you are God!), who formed the earth and made it (you established it; you did not create it empty, you formed it to be inhabited!), you have spoken and said: “I am the LORD, and there is no other. I did not speak in secret, in a land of darkness; I did not say to the offspring of Jacob, ‘Seek me in vain.’ I the LORD speak the truth; I declare what is right” (Isaiah 45:18-19). It is to you we come to seek your face and call for help.

We pray for your church world over, including this congregation, Victory Baptist Temple, Bible Baptist, Bodine, and Calvary Baptist Church. May we all be united together by your Holy Spirit, in your true Truth, and around your Son Jesus. We additionally pray for each of the congregations in our Hills and Plains Presbytery in Missouri, Arkansas, and throughout Oklahoma, that you would guide us in truly and humbly serving you in order that your name may be glorified before all people.

Take notice, O God, of the nations of the earth, together with Israel, Taiwan, and South Korea. May those who govern and hold authority look out for all of their people – even those considered to be of the wrong clans and tribe – protecting and preserving their safety, securing their rights, and supporting their welfare. May justice and peace run throughout the whole earth.

O God, the fountain of wisdom, whose will is good and gracious, and whose law is truth: We beseech you to guide and bless our Senators and Representatives in Congress and the Legislature of this State so that they may enact such laws as shall please you, to the glory of your Name, for the welfare of this people, and to the peace and safety of your church. And, Lord, send us refreshing rains and showers here, where the earth is cracking, and water sources are dwindling.

Look after those who are indisputably poor, economically crushed, or educationally hobbled (…). Present them with the ways and means to provide for their daily bread. And help us to see our role in being gracious to those in greater need than ourselves. Also, give wise discernment and discretion to those who are making career decisions, those who are trying to map out their vocational directions, and others who are just beginning the path of higher education and trying to figure out what majors they will be best fit for (…). 

We ask you to have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble (…). May they be delivered from their distress, be surrounded by caring family and helpful friends, and be drawn closer to you. And hear us as we pray for folks we know who are not Christians or have slipped away (…). Save them by your merciful goodness, draw them into your church, and surround them with loving, gracious people. And now we join our hearts and voices to pray as we have been taught, Our Father…

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