Day 113: A Week of Prayer for Our Nation in Crisis - A Litany for Sound Government

DAY 113

Faith in the Midst of a Pandemic

A series of daily reflections for people of faith

by Rev. Robert Bayley, Interim Pastor

Patuxent Presbyterian Church, California, Maryland

Week Seventeen – Sunday 5 July 2020

A WEEK OF PRAYER FOR OUR NATION IN CRISIS

A LITANY FOR SOUND GOVERNMENT

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 and members of the Cabinet to Governors of states, 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 Senators 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 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.

- The Book of Common Prayer: Prayers for National Life

God’s Word calls us to specific and explicit prayer - that is not a suggestion - and has a reason attached to it: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayer, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2.  We have done this today, above, and we will continue to engage in focused prayer for our nation all this week following the 4^th of July.

Reflective question: Will you obey God’s Word and pray every day this week for elected leaders?

Reflective Scripture: Matthew 20:30 – “’Lord, have mercy on us …’”

Reflective hymn:

“Kyrie Eleison – Lord, Have Mercy” -   Since the 6^th century sung as a prayer.

Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy on us.