Who do we pray for? What do we pray for? Simple questions, but the answers run deep.
Some days are hectic, and our prayers touch on urgent matters in daily life -- but we are also called to reach beyond our inner circle of family and friends. The Scriptures teach us that we are called to pray for each other, beginning with those we know, and reaching out to all peoples. As we read in I Timothy 2:1-2 (NLT):
“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”
Yes, we are called to enlarge our circle of prayer. God’s heart embraces the whole world!
This past month, the Care in Prayer Team was asked to open the Lord of Grace Annual Congregational Council meeting. The Team Members composed a corporate prayer to open the meeting; each person added a portion to the prayer. As we welcome the new Council members this month, we invite you to add your own requests to this prayer, adapted below, as we continue to pray for each other, our church, and for the world.
Heavenly Father, Lord of Grace,
We pray with hearts filled with gratitude for all who are willing to share their time, talents, and gifts for the betterment of us all. Give us each a heart of wisdom to hear your voice and guide our discussions so our intentions may align with your will.
We pray for you, Lord, to guide us by your Holy Spirit and to lead us into truth.
We pray for you, Lord, to surround Lord of Grace with your life-changing presence.
We pray for Jesus to build us, strengthen us and grow our faith.
We pray for your blessings, O Lord, for our church leadership; for our Council, for Pastor Lars and his wonderful family, and for all our Ministry Teams,
and we pray for blessings for our Preschool staff and students.
Heavenly Peacemaker, we also expand our prayers, and pray for our local and Federal governments, for peaceful election campaigns, for those who make difficult medical decisions, and for people who are deprived of their rights due to hatred, that they can finally feel safe.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your mercy, grace, lovingkindness, faithfulness and compassion from generation to generation.
We humbly ask you to watch over our families and friends, our church, our community, and our world in the coming year. Give us your wisdom and understanding, grace and guidance to serve you.
Thank you, Lord, for being in our midst today and every day.
In Jesus' Name we pray,
Amen.