Father, Please be present with us this morning by your Holy Spirit. We know that you see us at all times but are specially present with your people as we gather week by week in the name of your son. More than any more specific blessing, we want to be with you.
You have blessed us by setting us in the community of the saints so that we can say, "I love thy kingdom, Lord the house of thine abode, the church our blest Redeemer saved with his own precious blood." But this makes us long all the more for the great day of the unveiling of our Lord. You have taught us to be patient with being despised during our sojourn in the world. But we ask that the day of our vindication might come soon. Not that we are vindicated because of ourselves, but when the whole world sees Him, we will be vindicated for having trusted you. The world thinks that we believe fairy-tales for children and meet here to pretend so we all feel better. But we who know you know that you are the one who has the power to forgive sin and to raise the dead.
We see how you care for us constantly. Even last night I heard testimony of your care for us. We asked, and you answered immediately. You deal bountifully with us. Every hour you give us some strength, or some joy, or some change in our circumstance and even in times of disaster, your smiling face is there behind the frowning providence. So we present our requests as a congregation to you this morning in full confidence that you hear, and care, and that, as a father, you do not give us stones when we ask for bread.
We pray for those who are sick or unwell among us. We ask that you who made our bodies from the dust would restore the health of those of us who are suffering and cause your people to marvel at you yet again. For those who you have called to endure for a time, we ask that you would put more joy into their hearts, in the middle of their difficulties than most have when in full health. May none of us fall into bitterness, but lead us in such a way that we will be able to look back with thankfulness and say, "it was good that I was afflicted."
We pray for those who are in need of work, or find their jobs in danger, or have financial need. The birds that we see outdoors every day aren't fed by any human owner, but they belong to you and you feed them. We belong to you and you lovingly take care of all of our unique and complicated human needs. Help us not to fear when danger threatens. You have sustained each one of us countless times and just as often you have let us see your abundant provision for our brothers and sisters. Father, provide for us again.
We are concerned with many good works going on in the world that you have given us to be a part of. We remember the MacDonald's in Serbia and ask that you would let their ministry be fruitful and that the way of God may be taught more accurately in that country as a result of their work. Sustain their life and their joy. Strengthen them through difficulty, and let them be an example of a godly household. We pray for the pregnancy care center. They are greatly despised by the world for doing what you told us is right and good: helping those in need, especially the poor and fatherless, who we know have your special attention. Increase their power to do good and to minister your love in the world.
We pray for our government. Give them the power to administer justice rightly, not according to the opinions of man, no matter whose they are, but punishing evil as you understand evil and rewarding good conduct as you understand that as well. Take power away from whoever calls good evil and evil good and put it into the hands of those who love what is just and right. Many of us loved what was evil until you brought us to repentance, gave us faith to believe in Christ, and put your Spirit in our hearts. May you do the same for many of those who hold authority in this country.
Father, please give us your strength to endure, living faithfully without fear and anxiety. We confess that we are often anxious. Give us courage. Bring conviction to the hearts of those who are walking in sin. Don't let us go any further down the path to death. Bring us the pain of conviction so that afterwards we can have the cleansing relief of forgiveness as we look to the Lord Jesus who died for us.
Please give strength to all those who lead the service this morning. Help each of us to worship you with our whole being. May all that is done here today be pleasing to you.