Heavenly Father,
In every prayer in which we invoke your love of justice, we know we need your mercy. You are right in all your judgements. Unless you forgave us who could stand with you? The ransom for a life is too much! But thanks be to Jesus Christ your Son, who has paid our debt and has ushered us into your communion — the communion of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Though we may at times be convinced of the rightness of our cause, Oh Lord, do not let us abide in foolishness. We raise our hands to you and each beseech you, “Lord have mercy on me, a sinner.” May your goodness infiltrate our whole lives.
Come Lord Jesus come. We are in desperate need. Renew our wills in the power of your Holy Spirit that we might obey you. May our lives resonate with a “Yes” and a “No” in response to your Word.
Renew our minds Lord. We struggle to imagine life in community with others where your justice rolls in like a mighty river. But you know. You know how our lives as neighbours can be different socially and economically because of the good news of Jesus and His Kingdom.
And of your Church, your Bride, we ask you to empower us to raise a lament for the historic and painful truths of adultery with the world. The lust for power is so toxic! Forgive us Lord. Raise up a new generation committed to genuine kinship through Christ.
We must pray as another brother has prayed, “Lord make me an instrument of your peace.”
We seek your shallom in South Sudan, in Syria, in Myanmar, in India, in Mexico, and in Canada. Fortify our brothers and sisters with Jesus’ love even through their weaknesses. Restrain us from violence against those who regard us as enemies and help us to bless and to do good. Protect us from idolatry, especially the idolatry wrapped up in greed.
Lord we need you and so we pray as Jesus teaches us: Please join me in the Lord’s Prayer.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one;
for yours is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever.
Amen.
This prayer was part of the Origin Church Weekend Broadcast on 12 February 2021.