Sunday, September 8, 2013

General Prayer Pentecost 16 Proper 18



Gracious heavenly Father, we come to You in prayer in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ, confident in his promise that you will hear and answer us for his sake:

Help us by the power of Your Holy Spirit to delight in Your law and forsake the way of sinners and scoffers.  Impress upon Your people the necessity to meditate on Your Word in worship and bible study and order our lives by it.

As You blessed Your ancient people so bless our nation by turning the hearts of our fellow citizens so that they would worship You only and keep Your commandments.  Lead all of our fellow citizens to choose life by protecting the unborn, caring for the poor, and valuing the elderly.  Especially do we ask Your blessing upon all grandparents that they would be an example of righteousness to the generations that follow them.

Empower us as we share our faith so that the way we treat others would be a powerful example of Your goodness and grace.  Grant that the faith we share with our brothers and sisters would transcend the human differences and distinctions that divide us on earth and that we would show genuine love to all of the members of the household of faith.  Especially do we ask Your blessing upon those who are ill and recovering that You would grant them healing.

In the midst of competing priorities and the press of busy schedules help us to order our lives in such a way that You always come first.  As we count the cost of discipleship help us to value our life with You above all else.

You have promised that You know the way of the righteous but that the way of the wicked will perish.  Bring an end to the reign of wickedness around the world, especially those that make war upon the innocent and torment and torture their own people.  Grant every world leader the wisdom to value peace over war.

We thank You that You were the life and length of days for Your servant Laverne, that she held fast to You and obeyed Your voice and now rests in Your presence.  Grant that we who knew her would follow her example of faith until that day we join her in Your presence.

Gracious heavenly Father, we thank You for all Your good gifts, especially for the rain of this last week and pray that You would continue to bless and prosper our earthly journey and order all things for our eternal good.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

No comments:

Post a Comment