Dear Brothers and Sisters,
ALLELUIA! Christ is risen.
One more important political prayer. Yes, politics are everywhere, even in Scripture and in the Prayerbook. Coupled with the prayer I sent you last week # 28. For Our Country (pg. 820), we have a good way to pray for what we HOPE for our nation, as well as for the people whose responsibility is to help lead us to make that hope a reality. The Bible gives us this encouragement to pray for our leaders. Actually, more than encouragement, it is our duty.
1 Timothy 2:1-3 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.
Jeremiah 29:7 Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.
Once in a parish I served previously, someone came up to me to complain that we had prayed for some of our leaders by name. This person said, “I hate X so much, I can’t bring myself to use X’s name when I pray.” My response now is the same as what it was then. “If you think this is a terrible person, who needs your prayers more?” So I encourage you to pray **by name** for our leaders, whether you like them or loathe them. We’ve all experienced the power of prayer in one way or another. So in addition to the various actions (like voting) that we are called to, PRAY!
Add the names of the leaders where you live. I’ve put in Emmaus’s.
22. For Sound Government (pg. 821)
O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth. Lord, keep this nation under your care.
To the President Donald and members of the Cabinet, to Josh Shapiro and Governors of States, to Lee Ann Gilbert (Emmaus) and Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties. Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
To Dave McCormick, John Fetterman and Senators, to Ryan Mackenzie and Representatives, and those who make our laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations. Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
To the Supreme Court, Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served. Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name. For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Amen.
Praying daily with you, for our nation, our parish, and the world.
Mo. Laura
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COMING UP!
- May 12 and following Mondays, 7:00 p.m. Monday Book Study: Bp. Mariann Budde’s How We Learn to Be Brave (zoom only)
- May 11 Groceries Plus, Emmaus Food Bank in-gathering
- May 14 3:00 p.m. Diocesan Convocation VII w. Bp. Kevin and Canon Barbara (St. M parish hall)
- May 18, 9:00 service, Baptism of Sebastian F.
- 10:30 Street Medicine Presentation (at coffee hour)
- **Wednesdays, noonday prayer via zoom at 12:00
- **Saturdays, Seventh Day Adventist congregation, 9:00-3:00