Sunday, October 17, 2004

I almost forgot that I had the prayer for today. There are still dates open. If you’re interested in contributing, see this post.

Gracious heavenly Father,

You are the Creator of the universe and the King of Kings. You rule over all nations, and yet You have given Man charge over the earth. We confess that we are sinful people and as a result we greatly mess up the beauty that is your Creation. Please forgive us our arrogance and selfishness and neglect for all that You have given to us so richly. Help us to be wise stewards of that which You have given us and entrusted to our care.

Lord, we specifically pray for our enemies, both personally and nationally. We pray that You would protect us from our enemies and grant us security. We thank you for the generous men and women who serve as the front line of protection for our shores and we pray for their safety and blessings. Their sacrifice ensures our safety and we honor them.

Lord, we pray for those who would seek to kill our citizens or overthrow our country. You have blessed America with prosperity and freedom for over 200 years. We ask for Your continued blessing over our nation and thank You for it. We pray that our enemies would know that our only aim in the world is peace and freedom for all people. We pray that You would use our influence and resources to continue to lend aid to other nations in need - be it military intervention, financial aid, medical assistance, gifts of food, training in new technologies, or any other practical need we can fill.

We thank You that we are able to do these things and more. We thank You that we have a leadership that wants to do these things and more. Thank You for a President and Congress who understand that we have a greater mission outside our borders - to be the shining light for the oppressed, to be the helper for the needy, to be the might for the weak - to spread freedom as granted by You for all people. We continue to pray for President Bush and his administration as they seek practical and positive solutions to world disagreements - we pray that You would be their guide and strength in troubled times.

We know that You are faithful to hear and answer the prayers of Your people. We pray these things in the confidence that You are at work already and in the power of Jesus’ name. Amen.