Sunday Morning’s Congregational Prayer
Lord, we come to you this morning thankful for the gathering of your people. This day we are in need of your power, in need of your grace, and in need of your word.
We need your power and its hand in all things, both big and small. We need your power both as it guides galaxies and gravitational forces and in matters of our hearts, we need your power in matters of war and in matters of our health, we need your power in both international affairs and in our families. We need reminding this morning that you are in control of all things, and nothing is outside of your reach or power to bring all things together under Christ. Lord, we proclaim that we are weak and need your loving, sovereign power.
O Lord, our God, we are also in need of your grace, of your steadfast love toward us. We cannot abide through the challenges and difficulties of this life without your favor toward us. We need your grace and the new refreshment promised every morning. We need your grace to fill us up. O Lord, saturate our souls with your grace like sponges until it leaks out into our lives. We need your grace in all things: in getting out of bed, during morning commutes, while changing diapers, engaging with co-workers, making meals, relating to our loved ones, and in rest. Lord we proclaim that we need your grace in every nook and cranny of our lives.
O God, we also need your word. By the Holy Spirit, your word testifies to who you are as one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We need your word to remind us that you are high and lifted up and near to the brokenhearted. We need your word to captivate our hearts with your ways: that the poor in spirit will inherit your kingdom, and those who mourn will be comforted, and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness shall be satisfied.
Lord, we need your word in all things, to know you and also to know ourselves as sinners who reject your power, grace, and word. At this time, Lord, search our hearts for every disordered impulse and desire within as we confess our many sins before you.
We thank you, God, that throughout your word we see your grace and power. And nowhere else do we see the two so powerfully together than in the person of your eternal Son, Jesus Christ. Where power and grace are displayed in the vulnerability of Christ’s birth in a manger, on a Roman cross, in the grave. And still yet your power and grace shine bright in bursting forth from the grave, ascending into heaven, and lavishing every spiritual blessing upon your people.
We praise you, God, for the assurance of your favor in Christ, where your power, grace, and word come together and fill us with faith, hope, and love.
We pray for those who are sick and hurting among us, specifically for Elizabeth C. Lord we ask that you have mercy on her and the pain in her back and legs, provide reprieve from the difficult hours and days of pain, provide the doctors a way forward for treatment.
We pray for Bob N. and his recovery from his knee replacement surgeries. Grow in him trust in you during this time and patience in recovery. Be near to Bob and Laurie during this time.
We also pray for Jim and Sharon F., thanking you for returning them home safely. Thank you that Jim is recovering from his stroke. Extend your loving arms toward them.
At this time we lift up our missionaries: John and Leila, and their two son, for their ministry in Southeast Asia. We praise you for the refreshment you have provided for their family on home assignment. We praise you for the renewal of their visas so that their family can return to the mission field to serve you.Encourage John and Leila this day with your word, grace, and power to continue faithfully and courageously the works that you have set before them.
Lastly, Lord, we thank you for the ability and privilege to come before you as your children this morning. Fill our hearts with love and your Holy Spirit to serve and worship you.
We pray all of these things, Father, in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, and in the power of your Holy Spirit.