Praying For Justice And Healing

 We were thinking about and praying for Afghanistan yesterday.  We want to continue to think about justice and healing and pray for God’s intervention in hearts and lives of people around the globe.  There are so many “hot spots” – places of injustice and turmoil.  Sometimes the closest place for that is our own heart and we need the grace and mercy of God to be poured out freshly in us. Let’s pray for that today.

You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Psalm 86:5

Almighty and everlasting God, You are always more ready to hear than we to pray and to give more than we either desire or deserve.  Pour down upon us the abundance of Your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid and giving us those good things which we are not worthy to ask but which You offer through the merits and intercession of Jesus Christ.

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.  Titus 3:3-7

God of constant mercy, who sent Your son to save us, remind us of your goodness.  Increase Your grace within us that our thankfulness may grow through Jesus. Grant that as You set aside our sins, give us healing, and make us whole, that we may bring that healing to this broken world.

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.  Colossians 3:12-13

Strengthen for service, Lord, the hands that have held holy things, that the ears which have heard Your word may be deaf to clamor and dispute; may the tongues which have sung Your praise be free from deceit.  May the eyes which have seen the tokens of Your love shine with the light of hope and may the bodies which have been fed with Your body be refreshed with the fullness of Your life and bring You glory forever.

Heal me, Lord, and I shall be healed; save me and I shall be saved, for you are the one I praise. Jeremiah 17:14

I will give you back your health and heal your wounds,” says the Lord. “For you are called an outcast—‘Jerusalem, for whom no one cares.’”  Jeremiah 30:17

This is another day, O Lord.  I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be.  If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely.  If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly.  If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently.  And if I am to do nothing at all, help me to do it gallantly.  Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus.  Amen

O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do.

You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!  Psalm 139:1-6

On the basis of God’s sure presence with us and hand of blessing on us, we can go confidently into this day to bless others.