"...The World, the Flesh, and the Devil" - 26 March 2023

 

Our Father, you are our rock of safety and in you is no unrighteousness at all. Grant unto us the grace we desperately need, so as to withstand the temptations and avoid the infections of the world, the flesh and the devil, so that with pure heart, sound mind and holy delight we may serve you in perfect liberty all our days.

We remember these who are wrestling with and being wrestled down by specific misfortunes and troubles (…). May it please you to console and relieve them according to their particular needs, giving them enduring patience under their sufferings and a happy ending to all their afflictions. And look kindly on mothers carrying child. May both mother and child be healthy, and give strength and hardiness to both on the day of birth.

Please uphold our country, and Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, as well as all other nations in our world, and direct the hearts and minds of all world leaders to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly before you in your ways of truth. We pray for this region that you would be pleased to continue to provide us the needful portions of rain.

Lord Jesus, who for our sake was condemned as a criminal, please visit our jails, correctional facilities and prisons with your pity and judgment. Remember all prisoners and bring the guilty to repentance and amendment of life according to your will and give them hope for their future; especially for any who are on death row, such as the 46 in Oklahoma. When any are held unjustly, bring them a fair and honest release. Guide us in improving our justice system. Remember those who work in these institutions; keep them humane and compassionate and save them from becoming brutal or callous. Finally, bless and prosper the Christian prison ministries (like Kairos and Fellowship Prison Ministries) and Christian chaplains that they may powerfully convey your light and peace.

O Lord, we pray for your Church in all places, for this congregation, Village and Western Oaks Christian Church, Christ’s Church-Yukon, and Northside Christian. Deliver us from the evil one and help us to learn the secret of being content in whatever state we’re in, and to learn what it means that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

Lord, your Son taught us to love our enemies, and to pray for those who despitefully use us; please lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge to faith, hope and love. And in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you through Jesus Christ our Lord. Further, we plead for the salvation, transformation and rescue of these whom we mention before you now (…).

Thank you for this country in which we live, our families, our health, plentiful food, clothing, and thank you that we can cast all our care on you for you care for us. And now we pray as Jesus taught us, saying, Our Father, who art in heaven…

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