A pastoral prayer offered on August 2, 2020 at Grace Bible Church in Escondido, California.
We praise you, O God; we acclaim you as Lord;
all creation worships you, the Father everlasting.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
the cherubim and seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you:
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all praise,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you took our flesh to set us free
you humbly chose the Virgin’s womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God’s right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come again in great power and glory.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
Our Father in heaven,
you have been abundantly kind to us.
But all too often we have not demonstrated our gratitude
by loving and obeying you with our whole being.
Forgive us, O God, for cold hearts
and indifference to your Word.
Forgive us for how poorly we often treat
our brothers and sisters in Christ.
We are contentious, pugnacious, divisive at times.
We have not sought after things that make for peace.
Cleanse us from our sin.
Change us by your Spirit.
Enable us to grow in Christlike humility and brotherly love.
Assure us now of your great promise:
If we confess our sins, you are faithful and just
to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness
because we have an Advocate in heaven
at your right hand, Jesus Christ the Righteous One.
Holy Father,
we pray for the church of Jesus Christ today.
We think of our fellow FIRE churches here in San Diego County:
Valley Center Community Church and GBC San Diego.
Sanctify them by your truth and your abiding presence.
Continue to enlighten the minds of your people
with the light of the everlasting gospel.
Increase in them your many gifts of grace,
and make them fruitful in all good works.
Oh Father, we are mindful of the mission
Christ has given to us as a church
to make disciples of all nations.
Pour out your Spirit on us as a church
that we might fulfill his command
to preach the gospel to all people.
You desire that none should perish,
and we know there is great joy in heaven
over every sinner who repents.
Grant that our hearts may ache
for a lost and broken world.
May your Holy Spirit work through our words,
deeds, and prayers that the lost may be found
and the dead made alive in Christ.
We think of the ___ family today,
our missionaries in __.
Grant them much needed rest and renewal
as they step away from the daily press of ministry
in order to vacation.
Continue to prosper the work of the gospel
through their ministry.
Grant us opportunity as a church
to continue bearing witness to
the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ.
Enable us, O Lord, to live before the watching world
in such a way that our conduct adorns the gospel
rather than bringing shame upon the name of Christ.
You call us, O Lord, to pray for governing authorities.
We pray today for leaders here in California:
Governor Newsom, Dr. Sonia Angell, and Dr. Wilma Wooten.
Give them wisdom, charity, justice and steadfast purpose
so they might do good to the people of California.
For any leaders who are tempted to use their position
for selfish and unjust ends: thwart their efforts;
lead them from prejudice to truth;
deliver them from evil desires.
Grant relief to those suffering from COVID-19
Provide work for those impacted economically
Give wisdom to school superintendents, principals,
and teachers in Escondido.
Grant comfort to the families of the eight members
of the military from Camp Pendelton
who went missing on Thursday
after an accident off the coast.
O God, almighty and merciful,
you heal the broken-hearted,
and turn the sadness of the sorrowful to joy.
Let your fatherly goodness be upon all among us
who are discouraged, depressed, infirm, lonely.
Grant that all those who live alone
may find encouragement in the promise of your presence.
May they find great fulfillment in loving their neighbors.
Heavenly Father,
sustainer of our life and source of our hope:
Comfort and relieve all in our congregation
who endure long-term illness and suffering.
Give grace to those who minister to their needs,
that they may be strengthened in their weakness
and have confidence in your loving care.
Father, you promise to hear us
when we bring our requests to you
in the name of your glorious Son.
Give ear to our prayers.
Turn your face toward us and be gracious to us.
Answer us, for we are poor and needy.
Fulfill our requests that the world might know
that you alone are God.
All glory be to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
now and always.
