A Prayer in the Storm
If you are like me, you have been struggling to know what, or even how to talk to God about what has been happening. I don’t need to recite the news. We are all aware of the brokenness. It is both within us, and in our world. What can we do? Well there is much to do (concrete action is necessary), but a first step we can take is to talk to God about what is going on. In Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus taught his disciples how to pray.
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”
God, you are the Creator. The one who loves all mankind. Your children are black, white, and brown. Your children are old, young, and of many ethnicities and cultures. God, we weep here on the earth. We need your help. Your people are hurting. The weak are oppressed. The vulnerable are exploited. The proud are prosperous. God, Father in heaven, we pray that you would father the fatherless. God, be a protector to the weak. Please bring justice and righteousness for your hurting people. God, may your name be made famous in all the earth. Not the names of politicians or rulers. Your name alone deserves to be famous. You are the only Father who truly loves unconditionally. You alone deserve the fame.
“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
God, we look around, and we see evil. We see injustice. We see prejudice. Disease. Poverty. God, this is not your perfect will. Lord, we pray for your will to be accomplished. Lord, we want your rule of righteousness, love and truth to come to this earth, first in our hearts, then in the world around us. Lord, use us to accomplish your purposes here on earth as in heaven. Lord, fill us with courage to ACT and LOVE unconditionally… no matter the cost. God, we desire your will. Your agenda. Not ours. Your will God, your will God! We say it again… your perfect will!
“Give us today our daily bread.”
Lord, you know our needs. You know all things. Please provide, please care for your people.
“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
Father, we need your forgiveness. Our hearts are full of sin. None of us is righteous like you. We each harbor evil in our hearts, and desperately need your mercy. Lord, there is evil in the world, but also in our hearts. Have mercy on us! Lord, refine us! Lord, help us to forgive those who hurt us. Lord may our awareness of your love for us compel us to forgive those around us.
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
Yes, Lord. Leader. Father. Provider. Protector. Lead us. Far from temptation. Far from anything that is contrary to your perfect and Holy will. Lead us to your justice, your righteousness, and deliver us from evil. Lord, we pray for the oppressed. Deliver them from evil. Lord, lead us. We your people will follow.
Amen.