05/25/2026
Our opening prayer from yesterday’s service (adapted from Wendell C Hawley) -
Father God, we thank you for those who have given their lives to defend our country. We enjoy the fruit of their sacrifice, worshiping you in freedom. May you be Father to those around the world who want to worship you openly, but dare not. Grant openness to the gospel in those places of Satanic oppression. Be Father to those in harm’s way and to all our military family. Keep them from hurt and destruction. Enable those among them who are your children to live faithfully before you, bearing fruit by the word of their testimony. May you end conflicts and permeate troubled lands with your gospel. Give wisdom to our leaders, especially those who honor you with their lips while their hearts are far from you. May they repent and honor you.
Holy Spirit, as we remember our country’s fallen heroes tomorrow, may you bring us near to those in our land who don’t enjoy the freedom that we are thankful for:
Unborn children who may never live, and their mothers who are destitute.
Immigrants who desire the freedom to thrive, yet face violence and uncertain futures.
The native poor who are stuck between mental health crises and government squabbles.
Our Muslim and Jewish neighbors who have experienced violent attacks against them.
Our political friends and enemies who receive threats and attempts on their lives.
The families of recently slain politicians and political activists.
All these, and more, desire the freedom that is fought and died for. May we honor those who have gone before us by pursuing a greater freedom in Christ for our fellow man.
Finally, Lord Jesus, there are many needs in this congregation which are greater than our ability to lift, but are no challenge to you. May you provide out of your abundance, sustaining grace to the grieving, the lonely, the financially burdened and unemployed, the broken, those facing secret battles against overwhelming temptations. Many face debilitating health issues. Lord have mercy and grant a healing touch. And as you are healer, may you stop the current Ebola outbreak in its tracks. Rescue the sick from its clutches and make them clean as only you can.
Bless all these, in your precious name. Amen
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