The Pastor’s Corner

Prayer: Our great sovereign, the true God of heaven and earth, we come to you on behalf of our nation in which we live. We confess to you that we have placed too much emphasis on the importance of our leaders. We know that your Word states regarding the civil magistrates. We thank you for erecting civil order to govern and protect society. Yet, we also know that these people are mere men. Like us, they sin and fall short of your glory. Too often, we place our trust in princes and not the Prince of Peace. Too often, we complain about what they are doing and what they are not doing. Instead of praying for them, we gripe, murmur, and complain. Forgive us. We pray this day for our leaders. We plead with you to open their eyes and their minds and their hearts to their dire need. May they see that they too need Christ.. May they bow the knee now to the mandates of the true sovereign and king. Restrain them, Father, from evil mandates and laws. Expose their deceit, where it exists, and protect your church from harm. We pray these things in the name of Christ, the true King who rules in justice and mercy. Amen.

Prayer: Father, we are blessed with the joy of another Lord's day, which reminds us of the glory we await in the New Heavens and the New Earth. We are thankful that you have provided this day as the marketplace for our souls. From the first week of creation, you set apart this day for man that they may worship you. We know that we do not always regard it as a delight. Instead, we often trample it underfoot, talking idly, and doing our own pleasures. Forgive us, and help us to honor and love this day as you have commanded. We thank you that we have the privilege to worship with your people today and to hear your Word read and proclaimed. We ask that as your people gather, they would behold your majesty and sing your praises. We ask that you would meet with us and bless us, and make your face to shine upon us. We pray these things in the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.

Prayer: Our God in heaven, your Word tells us that you are the one who sovereignly places men and women in authority over us in civil affairs. We know that there is no guarantee that these people will be godly and righteous. In fact, history has taught us that oftentimes they are not. Yet, your Word also tells us that these people, as given by you, are given for the good of your church. It is through these means that you perfect and provide and protect your church. We also know that your Word tells us to pray for "kings and all those in authority over us." We confess that we often forget to pray for our leaders and, instead, complain about them. We know that your Word denounces a grumbling and complaining spirit. Forgive us and help us to labor on our knees for our government leaders. Please help us to truly pray and plead with you for their good and the advancement of the gospel and the good of the church. We pray this in the name of Christ. Amen.

Prayer: Father, we know that you have ordained prayer for the good of your children. Yet, we so often are prayerless in our prayers. We do not plead with you for things essential for our souls. We offer platitudes to the God of heaven and approach you casually and carelessly. We often ask you for trivial things instead of focusing on things that are needful and eternal. We confess that our prayers often reflect that our eyes are set on earth and not on the world to come. When we pray, we forget your promises to provide for all that we need and to conform us more and more to the image of Christ. Teach us to pray! Please help us to labor on our knees depending on the Spirit who knows your mind and ours. Grant us praying hearts and minds. We ask all of these things in the name of Christ. Amen.