Wednesday, July 3, 2013
1 Timothy 2:1-4 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
TWO PRAYERS FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY
To You, our God, we fly For mercy and for grace;
Oh, hear our lowly cry And do not hide Your face!
The powers that You ordained With heavenly wisdom bless;
May evil be restrained Replaced by righteousness!
Give peace, Lord, in our time; Oh, let no foe draw nigh
Nor lawless deed of crime Insult Your majesty!
Though vain and worthless, still We are Your people, Lord.
Oh, bend us to Your will; We'll serve no other God!
O Lord, stretch forth Your mighty hand
And guard and bless our native land.
(Christian Worship, 620)
Merciful Father in heaven, who holds in Your hand all the might of man and who has ordained the powers that be for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do well, and of whom is all rule and authority in the kingdoms of this world, we humbly implore You, graciously regard Your servants, the President of the United States, the Governor of this State, our Judges and Magistrates, and all the rulers of the earth. May all that receive the sword as Your ministers bear it according to Your commandment, O God. Grant them wisdom and understanding, that under their peaceful rule Your people may be guarded and directed in righteousness, peace, and unity. Protect and prolong their lives, O God of our salvation, that we with them may show forth the praise of Your Name; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. Amen.
