Prayer of the People, 16 October 2020
Heavenly Father,
Your Word and Your Spirit is establishing a conviction in our hearts that we are known and loved by you. Jesus Christ, crucified, buried, and raised from the dead stands for us as the testament of your kindness towards us and the promise of life with you now. Thank you for bringing us into your communion — the communion of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We pray for a life not just mindful of but totally awash with the grace of your presence among us. Enliven us to you O Lord. Even in the midst of our troubles we ask you to fortify us as sojourners in this world by reminding us daily of our citizenship in your kingdom. Your kingdom has no borders and no earthly rulers. We confess, Jesus Christ is Lord.
On this globe crossed with borders, Lord, we see the ambition to dominate others taking hold. We remind ourselves that our battle is not against flesh and blood so grant us wisdom to know right from wrong and the courage to intervene for the weak. Lord we know we are weak and that demonic impulse to kill, steal, and destroy could take root in us through greed and through bitterness.
We lift up those facing pressure because they seek to live a godly life through Christ Jesus; Encourage them Lord. We lift up our teachers of the Gospel and your Word who so want to honour you with their lives and their words; Encourage them Lord. We lift up the members of our fellowship who are wavering in their faith because of temptation or became of disappointment; Encourage them Lord.
We lift up to you the students of Thailand, Hong Kong, and Uganda who yearn for freedom. Root them in your truth, and show them how to lead and love well.
Heavenly Father, may our lives with you be one of a long and joyful obedience. We need you 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.