Prayer for our Nation

 

I have not published any political posts on this blog, and I don't intend to.  In the current climate and upcoming election season, however, I feel we cannot be silent but must pray for our nation and all the people around us.  This past Sunday, our minister led us in prayer for our nation, for Trump, for Biden, for the family of the bystander killed Saturday evening, for the family of the shooter who was killed, for all of our leadership, and for all of us to show love and promote peace.  All life is precious, whether we agree with a person's political stance or not.  I hate seeing all the memes going around saying things like, "I wouldn't have missed."  Every time there is a big event in the news, the sarcastic memes and social media posts come out.  In humorous situations, I love sarcasm as much as the next person, but when people have lost their lives, there is no place for humor or sarcasm.  Families are grieving, and they need our love and support.

These are some passages of Scripture our minister shared during our prayer time Sunday:

1 Timothy 2:1-4:   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.

Colossians 1:16-18:  For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.  He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.  And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

Philippians 4:4-7:  Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Romans  12:9-21:  Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.     Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited.   Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.  On the contrary:   “If your enemy is hungry, feed him;   if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.  In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

May God strengthen the Church and use us to be a shining light in these dark times.