"Hear in Heaven Our Prayer and Plea" - 16 April 2023

 

Almighty God, Heavenly Father, you have summoned us to pray for the Church and the world that your grace and salvation might become known to all. And you have promised that as we pray in the name of your Son Jesus Christ, you hear us and answer us. And so, we pray in the name of Christ. Therefore, hear in heaven our prayer and our plea, and maintain our cause (1 Kings 8:45).

For those in need; the poor and the hungry; the homeless and unemployed; those hit by the wildfires, floods, industrial catastrophes, and those helping to rebuild; the sick and lonely (…). May they receive the right help at the right time in their distress and find real relief. And so, we pray, hear in heaven our prayer and our plea, and maintain our cause.

For those who have not yet believed (…); all in spiritual need (…); and those who have stumbled and fallen (…); bring them faith, hope and comfort in Jesus Christ. And so, we pray, hear in heaven our prayer and our plea, and maintain our cause.

For the peace and security of the nations of this world, including Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, and Mauritania; for the end of war and violent oppression; and for the end of exploitation and eradication. That there may be peace in our times so that the peoples of the earth may receive the Prince of Peace. And so, we pray, hear in heaven our prayer and our plea, and maintain our cause.

For our own country, those who govern and misgovern, and for all the people – free born, foreign born and unborn – that we may have justice, security, and well-being. And bring this region the appropriate rains and showers we need for our crops, cattle, privations, and provisions. And so, we pray, hear in heaven our prayer and our plea, and maintain our cause.

For your one, holy, catholic and apostolic church, including Green Pastures Church of Christ, Lakeview, Ridgecrest, and Southeast Church of Christ, for her pastors and leaders and all her people; that they may be faithful to the Word of God and prove to be the light of Christ to the nations of the world. And so, we pray, hear in heaven our prayer and our plea, and maintain our cause.

For our own congregation, our elders and deacons, those who give their time and toil to teach Sunday School, those who serve quietly and unobserved, the parents with children in the home, and each of us in our vocations; may we prove to be Christ’s disciples in both word and deed. And so, we pray, hear in heaven our prayer and our plea, and maintain our cause. 

And so, we pray in the name of Christ, hear in heaven our prayer and our plea, and maintain our cause.  And now we pray as Jesus taught us, saying Our Father…