"The Lord God Almighty, Who Was and Is and Is to Come" - 31 December 2023

 

We add our voices to the 4 living creatures and the 24 elders who worship you, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come! … “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created” (Revelation 4:8b, 11). Glory to you, Lord God, Most High!

Lord Jesus, who loves your church, and cherishes each local, particular congregation; we pray for your church in all places, including this fellowship, and all of our sister churches in Oklahoma: Redeemer-Edmond, City Pres., King’s Cross, Christ the King, 1st Reformed in Minco, Grace in Stillwater, Shawnee Pres., Christ Presbyterian in Tulsa and Claremore, Grace and Peace, Three Rivers, RiverOaks, and Trinity-Owasso. Bring us ever closer to you, draw us ever upward that we may always reach outward. Through us bring to light what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in you who created all things; and may your manifold wisdom be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. And may we be a display of your eternal purpose that is realized in Christ Jesus our Lord; in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. (Ephesians 3:9-12).

Lord, who resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6); we recall your wholesome words that retell to us that “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2); that “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18); and that you “dwell … with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite” (Isaiah 57:15). Therefore, may we all be known as your humble people, gentle and lowly in heart like our Lord Jesus (Matthew 11:29). And may our politicians and policymakers be humble rather than haughty and hoity-toity.

Father, we ask your preserving care to be over all of our folks and our family who are travelling now to get back to their homes. And, Father, there are some who are sick; some recovering from surgery; and others quietly dealing with growing physical limitations (…). In each of these conditions you remind us that we are mortal, and not gods or supermen. Thank you, Father, for the reminder. In every discomfort and displeasure that comes we know that in some way they are good reminders from you, our loving Father.

In every nation throughout our world, please set up good governments that will seek to be fair, where the leaders will care more for the welfare of their people than lining their own pockets or securing their own power.  And in those lands where your people are being hounded and harassed, we pray that you would show your people a sign of your favor, that those who hate them may see and be put to shame because you, LORD, have helped your people and comforted them (Psalm 86:17). 

Finally, we call to mind family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, enemies, and acquaintances who have not confessed Jesus Christ as Lord and continue to walk in darkness; as well as those who have turned away from the Christian Faith (…). Save them, O Lord, in your great mercy! And now we join hearts and voices together to pray as he taught us, saying, Our Father…

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