"O LORD, Who Hears..." - 27 October 2027



O LORD, as the Psalm writer says, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more (Psalm 10:17-18). For these reasons, and more, we make bold to call on you, to call on you in truth (Psalm 145:18).

O great God, mighty Sovereign, we pray for our world, all the national governments and their citizens, and our own country. May sound-thinking prevail in all realms and all communities. We pray for Cameroon, Sudan, Ethiopia, Myanmar, Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, Ukraine, Russia, Venezuela, and other lands with all of the strife boiling over. Turn each situation around for good. Bring those in power – the leaders of various separatist groups and presidents – to think out what is in the best interests of all, not just their tribe or faction. Watch over the many displaced people who have fled for their lives. Preserve them, protect them, and provide for their needs. Help us with these upcoming elections and ballot votes. Show that you are sovereign over elections and ballots. And may all parties and participants come again to work together for the greater good.

For your church on every continent, including this congregation, Pennsylvania Church of the Nazarene, People’s Church, Putnam City Christian, and Redeemed Christian Church of God, we pray. Some of our brothers and sisters simply need you to protect them from evil; please, Lord. Some want your help in remaining faithful and loyal, so that they’re not outwitted by Satan, ignorant of his designs (2 Corinthians 2:11); please, Lord. Others require your involvement in getting them to stand on their own two feet, grow, and grow healthy; please, Lord. And all of us need you to direct our hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ (2 Thessalonians 3:5); please, Lord.

Look upon the many seminaries in our land whose purpose is to educate and form leaders for your church: especially Puritan-Reformed, Westminster, Greenville, Mid-America, RTS at the various campuses, and Covenant. May those in our seminaries grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Provide the funds and resources to keep the seminaries running smoothly. And grant that the professors would be godly, sober-minded, and able to teach well.

Hold up those walking or stumbling through rough seasons and storms (…). Help us to tend to them with your mercy and comfort.

Finally, save and rescue those who have no faith and confidence in your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord (…). Give us the nerve to be your way of Gospel grace to them, and point them to Christ crucified. And now we join together to pray as Jesus taught us, saying, Our Father…

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