Pastoral Prayer by Paul Meeks (# 14)

Pastoral Prayer by Paul Meeks (# 14)

Our gracious and loving Heavenly Father, we come to you today in the name of Jesus, the name that’s above every name in heaven and on earth. We read in your word that some day at that name every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that he is Lord. We’ve already done that. Jesus Christ is already our Lord. We serve him gladly and with honor and respect. What a difference that makes in our lives. All of life is different, and all of life has meaning and significance. How sad that many people want to order their own lives and leave you out and although your Holy Spirit is faithful to strive with people in ways we can’t even imagine, yet they go on in their own self-centered way. And you have to say to them, “Okay, then, have it your way, go your own way, but it’s the wrong way.” There are some right here today that are struggling with doing your will and we pray that they will make the wise decision to let you have your way.

Lord, we pray for the families of our church, the moms and dads the little babies and children. These are such important days when their young lives are being developed and habits and patterns of actions are formed. What awesome responsibilities the parents have. We pray for our teens that are facing so many challenges and pressures from their peers and from our society with opportunities for wrong choices. We thank you for all of those that are committed to you and are endeavoring to discover how they should live and what their future holds. Help us as a church to set the right example before them and to teach them the right way. Satan has always tried to destroy families and cause dissension and strife and to inspire people to divorce and separate. That’s not your will, but you want husbands and wives to be godly men and women and to be committed to each other and to you. We pray for those of this church who are in the throes of decision. We pray that they may not make the wrong decisions but will be led by the Holy Spirit to obey you.

We pray for our nation again today, for our president and the men and women of the congress and those in the courts of our land. We pray for the president as he leads the military forces around the world. We ask for wisdom and strength as he works with the military leaders especially in Afghanistan and Iraq. We pray for our troops as they continue to fight the insurgents. We pray, too, for the families that have suffered the loss of loved ones and the sadness they feel. May they look to you for the strength and comfort that you can give and may their hearts be turned to you.

We pray for wisdom for our pastoral staff and leaders of the church in the many important decisions that are being made day after day. May they all know how to discern your will and to follow your plan for our church during these important days.

We pray for Pastor Steve as he ministers your word today. May his words come from you and may they be effective to accomplish what you have in mind for us today.

We pray all this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, who taught us to pray, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Paul Meeks
College Wesleyan Church
Marion, IN 46953
pauldarmeeks@aol.com