"Blessed Is the Man..." Congregational Prayer for 16 June 2024

Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. LORD, you are the One who builds the house, and watches over the city. We plant and water, but you are the one who gives the growth! Bless our congregation with fitting and fair growth that we would grow roots downward and bear fruit upward and that you would add to our number such as are being saved. And, Mighty God, we pray for your Church all around this marvelous globe, as well as Covenant Life Church, Crossover, Crossroad, and Dayspring Church. Preserve and protect your Church from scandal, sin, and suffering. Also, repair her breaches and breaks with the healing glue of the Holy Spirit, with the supremacy of the Gospel, and with all that accords with sound doctrine. / And, LORD, since we are so dependent on you for life, health, wholeness and livelihood, we pray for those who are feeling the slowing effects of age, the wearisomeness of having more month than money, the cruddy results of sickness, disease, cancer and confusion (…). Give to your beloved sleep, rest, fullness, and restoration that they may rise up and sing your praises.

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. High King of Heaven, take care of our country. Prosper, replenish and promote what is good, just, decent, and fair, and bring a change of heart and a change of mind to that which is cramped, crooked, or corrupt. Make America distinguished in ways that are ethical, sensible and moral. Lead our leaders to truly be for America, and for the honorable ideals America once stood for, and in many ways still does. Finally, good Father, we give you thanks for the fathers in our lives, especially those who tried to be good fathers, toiling to provide and parent well. For the fathers here we ask you to guide and steer them in ways that more fully reflect your Fatherhood. For those fathers who are heartbroken because of their children’s choices and directions, help them to know that you know what that’s like to have such children so that they would find comfort in being close to you, a Father of many ornery and obstinate children. For those who had absentee, violent or dictatorial fathers, may there be repentance, reconciliation, and forgiveness before it’s too late. And if they’re already gone, heal the pained memories. For those fathers who feel lame, who think they have fallen short, lift their hearts and give them hope.[1] And now, we join hearts and voices to pray together as Jesus our Lord taught us, saying, Our Father…


[1] Psalm 127