Daily Devotions based the Sermon from January 17, 2021
Full Sunday message: CONTEMPORARY or TRADITIONAL
THIS WEEK: A Mission-Minded Person Is Clear in Their Calling!
Lord God, through the Apostle Paul, you urge us that
“requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2 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)
So today we come to you first to thank you for President Trump and Vice-President Pence and their families and the years of their administration. For some it may be hard to give thanks…for others it may be easier. However, Lord, whether we agree with the policies or not or were pleased with his style or not, we recognize that you allowed another four years where we could worship you freely, proclaim the Gospel without threat of imprisonment, and live relative peaceful and quiet lives. No President has been or is perfect. But we thank you for a country and constitution that allows us the freedom to worship and share you freely and an administration that saw that freedom as something to be protected. We do ask for you to protect and watch over President Trump and Vice-President Pence and their families. Stop any evil that may be plotted against them. Allow them to transition from the rigors of government life to settings where they also may live peaceful and quiet lives. We thank you for their service to our country.
Today we also thank you for President-elect Biden and Vice President Harris. Again, for some it may be hard to give thanks…for others it may be easier. Lord, as they take office today, we ask that they would lead in such a way that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. We ask you to protect them from harm, use them to be a catalyst for peace in our divided country, and to lead them to respect and understand their authority comes ultimately from you. Lead them to honor our constitution, follow our laws, lead with a selfless heart, and seek wisdom to guide our country. We thank you for their willingness to serve our country.
We also pray for all those who have been entrusted with authority, those who govern locally, in our state government and in our national government. Let all seek ears to listen, hearts to seek good, and hands to serve those whom they govern.
We pray for ourselves and all the citizens of this country. Lead us to seek peace and not violence. Help us to listen to understand. Let us unite for good and discourage violence and evil. Where we disagree, lead us to seek understanding. Where we agree, use it for good. But Lord most of all as your people, help us to realize once again that the power to change a country is not in Presidents or legislatures, but through the power of the Gospel. Renew your people in this country in the vision and purpose for which you have us here: Preach the Gospel and reach people for Jesus. This is the work of your Church, not our government. Lead us to live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
Father it is your desire that we offer these prayers so we might have a climate and culture where we can be part of doing your will, seeking your heart, that desires all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. Let the years ahead be one where the power of the Gospel changes hearts and the influence of your church for the eternal salvation of souls is recharged and reawakened.
So Father we ask that you would empower us as your people to speak the truth boldly and lovingly, not fearing those that desire to cancel your truth but having confidence in the calling you have given us to make disciples of all nations, starting right here in our country and our community.
All this we ask in the name of your Son who is the King of kings and Lord of Lords, AMEN.
Passage and Prayer for the Ministry of Cross & Crown:
Wednesday – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we give You thanks for all You have done for us and for the opportunities before us. Help us develop a deep sense of gratitude for your mercy, for your presence, for your love and for your plan.