October 9, 2020 Prayer

Word of God,

You spoke and the universe was created; your Word became incarnate for our salvation; your Word is still alive and a two edged sword. But in this time and our nation words are used to hurt and to intimidate, not to build up or to genuinely discuss.  Words are used to divide. Help us to use words to unite. Help us be careful that we do not harbor hate in our hearts toward our fellow citizens. Help us to still love each other, even if we strongly disagree with others' ideas and positions.   I pray that our words would be kind, would tell truth, build up, and give grace.

In Christ's name I pray for peace.
Amen

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." (Ephesians 4:29 ESV)

"Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit." (Psalm 34:13 ESV)

"I met those of our society who had votes in the ensuing election, and advised them...to take care their spirits were not sharpened against those that voted on the other side."

- October 6, 1774.  - John Wesley

“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there." (2 Chronicles 7:13-16 NIV)