"Our Rock of Safety" - 30 March 2025

 

Our Father, you are our rock of safety and in you is no unrighteousness at all. Grant unto us the grace we desperately need, so as to withstand the temptations and avoid the infections of the world, the flesh and the devil, so that with pure heart, sound mind and holy delight we may serve you in perfect liberty all our days. And be with the many who are wrestling with and being wrestled down by specific misfortunes (…). May it please you to console and relieve them according to their particular needs, giving them enduring patience under their sufferings and a happy ending to all their afflictions.

Please uphold our country, and all other nations in our world, and direct the hearts and minds of all world leaders to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly before you in your ways of truth. And for this region, be pleased to give us the needful portions of rain.

Lord Jesus, who for our sake was condemned as a criminal, please visit our jails, correctional facilities and prisons with your mercy and justice. Remember all prisoners. Bring the guilty to repentance and amendment of life according to your will and give them hope for their future; and especially for any who are on death row. If any are being held unjustly, bring them a fair and honest release. Guide us to improve our justice system. Remember those who work in these institutions. Keep them humane and compassionate and save them from becoming brutal or callous. But also protect them from the brigands and bloodthirsty in those facilities. Finally, bless and prosper the Christian prison ministries and Christian chaplains that they may powerfully convey your light and peace.

O Lord, we pray for your Church in all places, for this congregation, Greater Bethel Baptist, Hillside, Hillwood, and Hispanic Baptist Church. Deliver us all from the evil one and help us to learn the secret of being content in whatever state we’re in. To learn what it means that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

Fortify and empower Dan and Carol Iverson, our MTW Missionaries in Tokyo. As they continue to coach and teach and pass on your good work in Japan, may they flourish and rejoice as they work for the progress and joy in the faith of others, giving them ample cause to glory in Christ by their service.

Lord, your Son taught us to love our enemies, and to pray for those who despitefully use us. Please lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge to faith, hope and love. And in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you through Jesus Christ our Lord. We also plead for the salvation, transformation and rescue of these who are on our hearts and minds (…). 

Thank you for this country in which we live, our families, our health, plentiful food, clothing, and thank you that we can cast all our care on you for you care for us. And now we gather up our requests and pray as Jesus taught us, saying, Our Father…

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