Almighty and ever-living God, we
thank you for the privilege to gather before you to intercede on behalf of our
nation. We thank you too, for the burden you’ve placed in our hearts for this
land, and for our fellow citizens.
As we gather, we stand in the shadow
of those who’ve come before us. We gaze through history’s rearview mirror and
see how our grandparents sought you at the birth of our nation. We see too
Lord, your providential hands that nourished and protected this young Republic.
In times of both plenty and peril, our predecessors knew you to be their source
of provision, protection and guidance.
As we pause in your presence, we
would seek your mercy for ourselves, and for our nation. Too often, we’ve been like the prodigal
child who though desiring their father’s riches and bounty, was determined to
live life on their own terms. In
this we ask your mercy, and for the strength and resolve to live lives of
gratitude.
We ask that you would move within
our lives, that we would be used as change agents for good. We pray that we
might become channels of your peace and mercy to those you’ve placed in our
lives and paths. We pray too, as public servants, that through your help, we
will be faithful and diligent stewards of the nation and its collective trust
and treasure.
We find ourselves today Lord, in
a moment of trial. We face enemies
that would seek our downfall. We
face stealthy adversaries who strike in secret against the unarmed. We’re wracked with internal
struggle and economic woes that at times seem to be insurmountable. Surely
Lord, we need your hand in such a time as today.
We lift up those who govern and
lead this nation. We ask that those elected would always place stewardship and
statesmanship ahead of ambition and strife; in so that they might be sensitive
to your leading. In this, that our nation might be that shining city on the
hill; a beacon of hope and a haven of justice for all nations.
We commend to you those in our
nation who are in need or who suffer this morning. We call out on their behalf, asking that you
would open you storehouses of mercy for them. Too, we offer ourselves that we might become you heart and
hands extended to those in need.
Make us channels of your provision.
Finally Lord, we seek your
protection against our enemies, both here in our homes and around the world.
Not because we are deserving, but because you are one whose first principles
include mercy and loving kindness. Protect us not only from our enemies, but
also from ourselves that we might not only be recipients’ stewards of your
blessings in this day, but also be able to bequeath your bounty to those who
will follow after us.
All of this, we ask, seek and
hope for in your name.
Amen
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