For the National Day of Prayer
2 May 2013
People loved by God, the Holy
Spirit in the Scriptures instructs us to pray for everyone, and especially for
those who govern. Let us offer our
thanksgivings and petitions on this National Day of Prayer to the Father of all
mercy.
Brief Silence
Heavenly Father, we give thanks
for this country, for its rich resources, its heritage of freedom, and the
charity of its citizens in times of need. Help us
to use those resources wisely, to nurture and further that heritage of freedom,
and to find ways to be a blessing to others nations of the earth. Lord, in Your
mercy, hear our prayer.
Ruler of all, remember in Your
kindness our President, all who serve in his cabinet, our legislators, our
judges, and all who hold positions of public trust in our land. Preserve them
in health, and grant them to serve faithfully, wisely, and courageously. Lord, in Your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Lord of Sabaoth, to Your gracious
care we commend all who serve in the armed forces. May Your protecting hand
rest upon them. We ask that You would
strengthen and uphold them in every good deed. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our
prayer.
Lord of life, we confess that our
public life has in many ways deviated from Your holy will. Forgive us, Lord.
Have mercy upon us. Give us the grace of repentance. Help us cherish every
human life from conception to natural death as a priceless gift to be nurtured
and preserved. Help us to uphold, protect and strengthen holy marriage as the
life long union between a man and a woman. Grant healing and restoration to all
who have been hurt through the evils of abortion, divorce, or sexual sin. Lord,
in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Creator of the human race, You
have made us all of one blood, and yet we have fostered divisions among
ourselves. Destroy in us all hatred and
prejudice. Help us to see in every human life a unique being, created by God,
redeemed by Christ, and intended for Your kingdom. Lord, in Your mercy, hear
our prayer.
Bountiful Giver of every good,
remember those who have been disinherited in our nation, those who are trapped
in cycles of poverty and debt, those forced to live in unwholesome
environments. Help us all to share these burdens and find ways to transform impoverished
neighborhoods so that all may join in blessing You for Your rich bounty in this
good land. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lover of the human race, remember
all in our country who struggle with mental illness, disease and all who face
death. Give to them Your comfort, and help them to find final healing in Your
Son’s hands. Strengthen the work of all who
serve in health care, and bless their service to all in need. Lord, in Your
mercy, hear our prayer.
Father of the Risen Lord, we pray most of all today for all who have no right knowledge of You in our country, for all who live outside the life of Your Church. Send forth Your powerful Word to call them home, that we may welcome them with joy as sisters and brothers of Christ in the Kingdom of forgiveness. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord of the future, we know not
what tomorrow will bring, but we know that You will meet us there. Take all
fear from Your people in this land, and grant us to walk forward with joy and
confidence in Your unfailing love. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
These things and whatever else You
know that we need, grant us, we pray, for the sake of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ, who taught us to speak to You in these words: Our Father…
The prayer may close by all
joining in singing this hymn (LSB 965):
God bless our native land;
Firm may she ever stand
Through storm and night.
When the wild tempests rave,
Ruler of wind and wave,
Do Thou our country save
By Thy great might.
Firm may she ever stand
Through storm and night.
When the wild tempests rave,
Ruler of wind and wave,
Do Thou our country save
So shall our prayers arise
To God above the skies;
On Him we wait;
Thou who art ever nigh,
Guarding with watchful eye,
To Thee aloud we cry:
God save the state!
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