A Concord Pastor Comments: NIGHT PRAYER: Monday 8/26

As I read and listen to the news, Lord,
I see how much we need
your counsel and your Word,

your compassion and your truth...

In the face of so much hate, Lord,
we're left hungering for that love
that gives itself in sacrifice
'til sin shall be defeated

in the triumph of your grace...

In the midst of all our foolish ways
we thirst for wisdom, deep and clear,
to cleanse us of the prejudice

that arms our selfish deeds...

Our nation is divided, Lord, riven, lost

and governed by our stubbornness,

our mistrust and suspicion

and so we ask for your help

to make us once again

one people and one nation:

e pluribus unum...

We pray your intervention, Lord,
and ask you use the likes of us
   to speak the truth with power,
   to mend with care what's broken,
   to unite what's torn apart,
   to heal the wounds that bleed,
   to right what's gone so wrong,
   to strengthen us in faith,
   to fuel the fire of hope
   to yield a crop of justice
   and a harvest of lasting peace...

We cannot do this on our own:

   we need your help, your Word, your truth,
we need your Spirit deep within us
   and your grace, our saving strength,
until at last we find anew, Lord,
    the peace that you, and only you, can give...

Save us from ourselves, Lord,

and deliver us from evil

for without you we are lost

and apart from you we'll perish...

Protect us, Lord while we're awake

and watch over us while we sleep

that awake, we might keep watch with you

and asleep, rest in your peace...

Amen.

Tonight's song is a very simple repeating refrain

but I find it prayerful, comforting and hopeful...

Make Us One, Lord by Carol Cymbala