Prayers of the Church - 11/12


This Sunday morning, I will once again be praying for my church

Holy and Gracious Father, You have orchestrated all of history by Your Word. You spoke, and all that we see came into existence. You called to us while we were dead in our sins, while we were your enemies, and that Word brought us from death to life. We confess that we have much to be ashamed of in your presence, but our hope remains fastened to Your death on the cross and Your resurrection, for we know that there you have once and for all cancelled our debt.

Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer

On this Veteran's Day weekend, our thoughts are with those who have chosen to serve this country in our armed forces. You have given the sword to government, and we pray that it would wield it wisely at all times to punish those who do wrong and protect the good. To be a soldier is to fulfill that vocation - a difficult, yet necessary, task. Be with all those who are currently serving, comfort their families and bring them home safely. Be with all those who have served and heal their hearts and bodies from the scars of war. Give wisdom and righteous judgment to those elected officials and military commanders who must decide where to send our military - may they never rush us into a fight nor shrink from one already upon us.

Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer

We pray for our church. We ask that you would penetrate our hearts with the power of Your Word - in the sermons, sunday school classes and in the sacraments. Protect us from division, and help us to always edify each other in love. Be with our Pastor, Russ, and his family - help him to be diligent in his studies and courageous in his preaching. Help our church leaders to lead with wisdom and make sound decisions for the future of this congregation.

Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer

We pray for those who don't yet know the glory of Your salvation in the Cross. Use us as your ambassadors to faithfully carry the Gospel to our family members, co-workers, and friends. Use this church as a beacon of light to this community. Work through missionaries to carry that Gospel to the ends of the earth.

Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer

We pray for our loved ones who are sick or in need of your care. We ask that you would heal and comfort them. Mold and shape all of us through any difficulties and inspire in us confidence in your promise that all things will work together for our good. We silently bring before you now all those in need......

Into Your hands, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in Your mercy, through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who taught us to pray:

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 we 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 and ever. Amen.

Posted: Sun - November 12, 2006 at 07:33 AM | | | | | | |

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