Father,
We belong to you and we have no good apart from you. We find delight in being part of this community that you established. You have given to each of us such things as we have, some more, some less, but we are thankful for those blessings which are our own lot. You give us counsel on how we ought to live, both from the scriptures and as you speak to our inner person by your Holy Spirit. Our attention is fixed on you, to live our lives according to your wisdom. You are with us, and, though we have painful difficulties in this life, with you near us, we will not be ultimately shaken. Our hearts are glad and our whole being is full of joy. You will not abandon us to death, but restore our lives to joy. You have unveiled the path of life and shown us the joy of your presence and given us the pleasure of all those who are near you.
We pray that you would lead the nations of the world in the way of righteousness and so guide and direct our political leaders that your people may enjoy the blessing of freedom and peace. Allow our leaders to impartially administer justice which is truly just, uphold and speak truth that is really true, restrain the evil that is truly evil, and be the protectors of godliness and virtue.
Please help us to do the same with the degree of authority that you have given to each of us. Keep each of us from being petty tyrants and instead help us to be always seeking the good of every living thing over whom we may have authority. Help us to be fair and just in our treatment of others and far more willing to suffer wrong than to do wrong. Keep us from wronging one another with our speech, not only in that we only speak the truth, but that we also seek to protect the reputation of one another. Keep us from being slothful in helping one another toward repentance, and yet make us full of compassion and mercy. Make us zealous for your church against sin and false teaching, but may this never be tainted by bitterness and fear, but flow out of our deep love for our Lord’s bride.
We have so much to thank you for because you are pouring blessings on our head at every moment. You have taken from us the guilt of sin and cleansed our consciences. You have given us brothers and sisters and mothers and fathers in your wonderful family.
We thank you most of all for the cross of Christ by which you brought us into joy out of the slavery of the fear of death. We have set aside these four weeks of advent to praise you for your glorious work of sending your Son to us in flesh. You made him like us, so that through his death he might destroy the devil who has the power of death. And so we look to Jesus, our merciful and faithful high priest, both for our salvation and as our help when we are tempted.
Please give each of us strength to do the work we have undertaken in your service. Give skill and worshipful hearts to your musicians, clarity and wisdom to those who teach and read the scriptures, faith and clarity to those who pray, affection and joy to those who welcome others, and energy and patience to those who care for children. May all that is done here this morning be honoring to you and promote the unity and affection among your people that you desire and may our worship and praise be pleasing to you.