"I Love You, O LORD..." - 30 November 2025


 “I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation” (Psalm 18:1-3, 46). Holy God, we pray for all nations and countries, these United States of America, Sudan, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Syria, Libya, Luxembourg, Laos and Lithuania, and for the leaders of the world. O God be gracious to us and bless us and make your face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you (Psalm 67:1-5)!

We give you thanks for the bounty of the rain and showers this year. Help us in this State to be good stewards of all you have bestowed on us. Come and correct what needs to be corrected and supply what is (or will be) lacking that we may be sensible, shrewd, and sound-minded in our fiscal responsibilities, both personally and civically.

We pray on behalf of your universal Church; for this congregation; Sooner Baptist, South Park, Southern Temple, and Springdale Baptist Church. At whatever point we may have turned away from listening to the truth, restore us and grant us repentance. Fill us all with your Holy Spirit that we may be strengthened for greater service; be guided into all truth; and powerfully testify of your gospel and your reign.

Lord be with our young adults, whether in college, in the military, exploring new careers, employed, unemployed. Preserve them from harmful circumstances, hurtful ideologies, and hostile peoples. May they show forth your love and tell forth your good news. Uphold them with your righteous right hand, and may their adventures enrich them for your honor’s sake.

We bring to you those on our hearts who continue to look away from you, and have turned their back to you; and also those who deny either your existence or your importance (…). Grant repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth and bring them to come to their senses to escape from the snare of the devil, having been captured by him to do his will (2 Timothy 2:25-26).

No matter how it all played out, may this Thanksgiving memorably etch into our hearts that you are the One who has given us all things richly to enjoy. And as a result of this recent Thanksgiving, may strained families and friends be reconciled and restored in grateful joy. 

Finally, Lord God, you who are our rock and refuge; be with these who are in need or those in hurt (…). May they find your refreshment, renovation and restoration. And now we pray as we have been taught, saying, Our Father…

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