For the National Day of Prayer

For the National Day of Prayer

from the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod  http://www.lcms.org/letuspray

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. 

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!

For the National Day of Prayer copyright 2013 by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. This work may be reproduced for congregational use only. Commercial reproduction, or reproduction for sale of this work or any portion thereof is prohibited without written consent from the copyright holder.