Lord,
You existed before, and have existed through, all the ages. You created all things. You give common grace to all humanity: you make the sun to shine and the rain to fall on the just and the unjust. You brought and secured saving grace to a people of your possession, redeeming them from corruption, purifying them and equipping them for good works. This all happened because Jesus gave himself as a sacrifice to pay the debt that humanity owed but could never afford. You did this to magnify the glory of your gracious character and because you loved the world.
Please enable us to live lives of love for you and love for our neighbors. Please enable us to be ready for all the good works for which you prepared us; not in an arrogant attempt to obtain your favor, but in order to obey you and express our gratitude for your character and grace. May we speak evil of no one, may we avoid quarreling, may we be gentle, and may we show perfect courtesy to all people. We know this isn’t easy, and we know that it can only happen through your work in us. Please remind us at the proper times that we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. Please make these reminders effective in bringing humility to our thought, speech, and actions. Please make us ready to think, speak and act honorably. May we please abound in good works, bringing truth about your character into our communities and around the world.
Please specifically abide with the following families we know and love. Please hear their prayers and ours. Please equip and sustain Derek and Anlee Fekkes, Drew and Betty Aungst, Chad and Jamie Dimon, Alex and Alaria Eby, Kelly and Trisha Huckaby, Adam and Janelle Lamont, Matt and Carolyn Monson, Grady and Holly Nace, Kevin and Danielle Riley, Pete and Cheryl Williamson, and others in sensitive locations around the globe.
Lord, the health of our local communities, our country and the world often feel unstable and tenuous. We are concerned, scared, anxious or angry. Your Word tells us that:
The hearts of rulers are like streams of water in your hand; you turn them wherever you will. (Proverbs 21:1)
You do according to your will amongst the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; none can stay your hand or say, “What have you done?” (Daniel 4:35)
You declare the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, “My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.” (Isaiah 46:10)
Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless you have commanded it? Is it not from your mouth that both good and bad come? (Lamentations 3:37-38)
So please enable us to make you our soul’s portion, rather than our comfortable or predictable circumstances. We await our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. But until then, please abide with us, equip us, sustain us, enable us to cast all our cares upon you, and to trust you in whatever circumstances may be, as we pray together:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
On earth, as it is in heaven.\
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever.Amen.