Heavenly Father,
We open our mouths to you. We open our hearts to you. And we cry out!
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty.
The one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.
Thank you for including us in your communion — the communion of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Our life with you rests in your love toward us. You moved first. You have shown us your love through the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. You have brought us into the communion of your love even now through the Holy Spirit who pours you love into our lives. Thank you! You do not disappoint!
Grant us strength to persevere. Grant us the encouragement of the Spirit. Grant us the compassion of your Son. Grant us the welcoming heart of the Father.
On our own we are powerless to rid ourselves of the creeping overtaking entanglements of sin. So we cry out to you for the regenerative power of your Spirit in our lives. We cast them off and desire to run the race with Jesus. Forgive us Lord. Cause your Word to flourish in our hearts so that our attitudes and actions are shaped by grace and truth. This is what we want:
Real love, in real places, with real neighbours. Show us how O Lord.
We lift up to you our campus community. Encourage students as they study to study with you. Encourage graduates to trust you for their next steps. You are our Provider. Your wisdom though foolish to the world has become our delight.
We lift up to you our policy makers and authorities tasked with governing. By your Spirit compel them to make decisions without regard for the next election but for the common good.
We lift up to you our brothers and sisters in Iran. Encourage them and fortify them with your love and the grace of your Gospel that they may persevere under hardship and even imprisonment. You are their refuge O Lord.
We lift up the churches of Vancouver and pray that you would cause them to flourish after this season of pruning. May our roots run deep into you. May we bear the fruit that you intend.
So we pray as Jesus taught 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.