Lord of families, tribes, peoples, nations and all the world: it’s for freedom You’ve set us free from sin, guilt, and judgment; free to do what is right and just, what is compassionate, gracious and loving. We’re free to be who You made us to be. We’re free to come to You as we are with anything. We’re free to come to you in prayer—… and we do. We come praying for those whose freedom means they serve to protect our freedom.
Guard our young men and women serving in harm’s way, anywhere duty may call them. Make them good and wise, cautious, truthful, and caring–may they represent this nation well; and may those who know You be Your ambassadors, even in uniform.
We come praying for our nation’s leaders—our president and vice-president, the congress and judiciary: that they’ll be wise in Your ways for not only our nation, but for all nations, just and truthful in their convictions, and compassionate in their actions. When they need courage to do what is right rather than what is expedient, or courage to set aside their own or our own self-interest in order to love justice, mercy and truth for all, then give them such courage.
And for us as citizens—make us mindful of our dual citizenship: as people of Your heavenly kingdom first and foremost, and also of this earthly nation as well; and help us not to confuse our loyalties. For those in need of healing today—we pray for You to heal them and to encourage their care-givers. For those in need of comfort in the midst of grief—we ask for peace, consolation and hope.
For the isolated and lonely—we pray for Your companionship and for the friendship of others to encourage them. For victims of disaster—earthquakes, floods, wildfires, drought–we pray for Your protection and provision, and for people who will care for them in Your name. We pray, also, for Your church.
We ask for Your forgiveness for our stupidity and our unfaithfulness to Your Word and Your Ways of truth and holiness. Give us the moral strength, the spiritual wisdom and persistent faithfulness to live, act and be as lights in this world’s darkness, as a life-giving community in deadly times, and as a safe place on a dangerous journey home. We want to be faithful to You—help us! Please! These are the prayers of our heart–or at least some of them–offered up in the name that’s above every name: Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN
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