Deus Misereatur

  (I took one of the carvings I was working on with me to the polls as I voted. That's him on top of the sign, proudly wearing his "I Voted" sticker.) As I listen to people talk, as I hear Christians fret, and as I watch news and social media begin to rouse from it's breathlessness, I thought of some prayers that might be useful for this season. In fact, these would always be useful. I took them from the Book of Common Prayer years ago, and tweaked them in ways that seem fuller and better to me. I hope you find them beneficial. Do feel free to share them with others. ---- Most loving heavenly Father, who desires us To give thanks for all things; To fear nothing but you; And to cast all our care upon you who cares for us: Preserve us from faithless fears And worldly anxieties, And grant that no clouds of this mortal life  May hide from us the light of your immortal love Which you have manifested unto us in your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ---- O God, you made us ...

The tone and temperament of this election season are bringing me to pray more, which is not a bad thing. But this brings me to ask myself often, what ought I and other Christians to request? What should we seek after? How should we approach the throne of grace as we yearn for mercy and grace to help in our time of need? The following are some suggestions that I have pulled from the various versions of the Book of Common Prayer , and others I have penned myself. Use them as freely as you like; share them as freely as you dare. Mike.   ----  O eternal God, through whose mighty power our fathers won their liberties of old; Grant, we beseech thee, that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain these liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen ( Book of Common Prayer ).  ----  O God, you have shown us what is good, and what you require of us; that we are to do justly, to love mercy, and the walk humbly b...

I have asked my Senior Pastor and long-time friend, John Owen Butler, to have the prayer for this election day. This prayer is adapted from John Newton's letters found here . ----- Tuesday, 6 November 2012 Lord, today, I am reminded of the truth "The Lord reigns! Let the nations tremble!" ( Psalm 99:1). Help me to keep that truth before me. As I draw near to vote today, let me draw near to your throne of grace. You have commanded us to seek the peace of the place where you have placed us. You have put us here at this time, in your sovereign design. But Lord, the times look awfully dark indeed; and as the clouds grow thicker--the stupor of the nation seems proportionally to increase. If you, Lord, had not a remnant here, I would have very formidable apprehensions. But you love your children; some are sighing and mourning before you, and I am sure you hear their sighs, and see their tears. I trust there is mercy in store for us at the bottom of this; but I expect...

Monday, 5 November 2012 O our God, we have been told repeatedly, “ It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes ” and “ Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. ” Please forgive us for making our politicians and magistrates out to be more than what they are, and for not placing our utmost confidence in you. As we head to the ballot box tomorrow, guide us to vote conscionably, and then to cast our whole trust on you, the God who is larger and more powerful, and more just than any government or nation. We ask this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ, whom you have made Israel’s Messiah and the world’s true Lord. Amen. (Prayerfully reflecting on Psalm 118.8-9 and 146.3) Mike

Sunday, 4 November 2012 O God, you have shown us what is good, and what you require of us; that we are to do justly, to love mercy, and the walk humbly before you. Guide us through this election that we the electorate, and those seeking to be elected, will be a people who do justly at home, in the business world, the courtrooms, the legislative halls, and the executive offices. That we would be a nation who loves mercy, who seeks to work it out in all of our actions and decisions. And that we, the governed and the governing, would always walk humbly before you. Have mercy on our nation, for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. (Prayerfully reflecting on Micah 6.8) Mike

Saturday, 3 November 2012 Holy and mighty God, who practices steadfast love, justice and righteousness in the earth, and delights in them; direct the hands and hearts of the electorate this coming Tuesday, that we may see clearly who would be best  to lead our land in steadfast love, justice and righteousness, and then to vote appropriately. May the end result be wholesome leaders set up in office; people of genuine integrity, honesty, and godly virtue; people who will unflinchingly stand on the principles of rectitude, honor and uprightness. May our country thrive, and our nation’s inhabitants prove to be a moral and honorable people, for the common good, and for the wellbeing of your Church. We ask these things in the joyful fellowship of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayerfully reflecting on Jeremiah 9.23-24) Mike

Friday, 2 November 2012 Merciful God, your Scriptures warn us for our good with these words; “A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.” For generations we have voted for programs, laws and politicians out of a heart dripping with envy, jealousy and greed, and now it feels as if the bones of our country are rotting. Angry that others were prospering, we have pushed for heavier taxation, consoling ourselves with “they can afford it; they don’t have a right to so much money. How dare they!” Jealous that some have better privileges and advantages, we have yearned for them to be dragged down to our level. Greedy for our own personal peace and affluence, we have clamored for greater and heavier dependence on governmental safety nets and securities. We have increasingly been looking to our civil authorities (and others) as if they were gods, or demi-gods who should be able to fix every catastrophe, ailment and trauma; and if they don’t (because they can’t)...

Thursday, 1 November 2012 Almighty God, in whose hands the king’s heart is as a stream of water, turned whichever way you will; regardless of the results of this upcoming election, please bring around what is best for our nation. And please restore the gift and value of God-ordained marriage - one man and one woman, where for better or for worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, they will love and cherish one another until death parts them; similarly, please rebuild the important, godly virtue of celibacy for those who are gifted with singleness; so that whether married or single, the people of this land may flourish in chastity and purity. We ask this in union with your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen. (Prayerfully reflecting on Proverbs 21.1, and marriage vows) Mike

Wednesday, 31 October 2012 Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, guide and direct, we humbly beseech you, the minds of all those who are called at this time to exercise the responsible duty of electing fit persons to serve in the government of this nation, state and city (or town). Grant that the effect and right issue of their choice may promote your glory, the welfare of this people, and the peaceful wellbeing of your Church; and to all those who shall be elected, give, we pray, the spirit of wisdom, courage, sympathy, and true godliness. And this we ask for the sake of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. (Adapted and modified from Prayers for Pastor and People , 39) Mike

As election day 2012 approaches fast and furious, in the midst of storms and consternation, I am going to post a non-partisan prayer-a-day through Tuesday of next week. They will be lifted and adapted from various sources, which will be noted. I hope you will return daily and join me and others as we pray for our country. ----- Tuesday, 30 October 2012 Almighty God, who holds us to account for the use of all our powers and privileges:  Guide, we pray, the people of these United States of America in the election of their rulers and representatives; that by wise legislations and faithful administration the rights of all, free-born, foreign born and unborn , may be protected, and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Adapted and modified from The Book of Common Worship-1946 ) ---- Mike