Prayer.

This weekend I had a lot of rest. I also did the prayer at church and since I haven't got much to post, and I wanted to have a digital copy of this for future reference, thought I'd blog my prayer.

Actually I do have news from last week, I have a pre approved home loan, and I've made an offer on a unit. If I don't get this place, which Is pretty likely, I have about 3 months to get something before it expires. 

Heavenly Father

You are the almighty king of creation. We have come here tonight to praise you and read your word, and we are reminded of your goodness and love. Your power, your faithfulness, your plan for the world and each one of us.

Oh let the nations rejoice and be glad for you will judge the peoples righteously and govern the nations upon the earth. Let the peoples praise you o God, let all the peoples praise you.

Because of your love, not our good works, while we were still sinners, Jesus died for us. The death of your only son brings us from darkness to life, from death and eternal separation to life for eternity. 

Please help us to remember Christs death, remember that we are forgiven through it, and remember that we are not slaves to sin anymore. Help us to trust in Jesus, obey him, give our whole lives to him, and love him. Help us also to love others. Help us to put others first, to be generous, to be forgiving, and to love like Jesus loved us.

We pray for the church in the world. Please help all Christians to know your word the Bible and submit to it. We pray for Christians who are persecuted for following Jesus, whether it is in the form of bullying at school or work, the real threat to life that many Christians in other countries face; in Indonesia, Nigeria, Iran, the Sudan, where churches are attacked or Christians are thrown in prison. Give our brothers and sisters courage to persevere. Protect them from harm and grow their faith through these trials. 

We also pray for people in the conflicts of this world, which seem to never end and bring tragedy after tragedy. We know they will end one day, when Jesus returns and all wars will cease, and every knee will bow before him. Bring on the day, we pray.

Father thankyou that we live in a peaceful and secure country. We thankyou for the resources that feed us and make us rich. We pray that our politicians will be wise and generous, and remember that the blessing we enjoy are given by God and are not ours to hoard selfishly.

Now we pray for our church. Thankyou for those who teach us your word here at church and in our home groups during the week. Thankyou for the many ways people serve you and each other in both public and hidden ways. Protect this church from Satans attacks, from false teachers, and from the temptations of this world. Keep us standing firm in the gospel, in unity and in love.

We pray for your Holy Spirit to work in us for your purposes. Change our hearts by the power of your word so that our lives are changed and we shine like stars in this dark world. Help us to get to know each other over dinner so that we can encourage each other. Be in every word that we speak, to bring you glory.

In Jesus name we pray all these things, amen.