House of Prayer: Part IV June 25, 2009

 

“These I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my alter; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” (Isa 56:7)

 

Our father which art in heaven, I come before you with praise and prayers this day. We are your people and so I come before you because of who you are, and what you have done for us. Lord I seek to make true what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah and what Jesus longed to be true, that your house will be a house a prayer.

Lord help me to start with myself, right where I am. I confess that I have not always prayed as I should. I confess that I often let myself be too busy to pray. And often, when I pray it is not until things look grim and I need your help most. Too often, my prayers are only for myself and not on behalf of others. Lord here the prayer of your servant this day.

For the newly elected mayor and city council. I pray that in this economic down turn they may have wisdom and discernment to do what is best. For law enforcement and emergency services. As they help maintain the peace, safety and quality of life I enjoy, and as they sometime put their own lives on the line for others, give them strength and patience to serve faithfully. For all the government officials and agencies in Brookings County, I pray that they may continue to be a blessing.

I pray for all those who provide employment or housing and for each and every business. As they provide goods or services and employ most of the town, give them the needed support and wisdom to do what is best for all. For the banks that hold our mortgages and the landlords that collect our rent, for the self employed, and those that run farms, Lord may you see them through any difficult times they may be facing.

I pray for the health care industry. I thank you that we have such quality and compassion from those that serve us. We are so blessed that you have allowed them to find ways to help heal and restore our health. May you care and bless them as they bless us.

Christ said, “do not forbid the children to come unto me, for such is the kingdom of heaven.” So, I pray earnestly for our children and youth of Brookings. I pray for daycare providers, boys and girls club, GAP, babysitters and all that care for the safety and well being of our children as we work. I pray for our schools, preschools, elementary, middle, & high school, as well as SDSU. I pray for all the staff that teach, oversee and maintain the quality of educations to help our children to grow and learn for tomorrow. I pray for every church that holds VBS this summer and every program that helps them to learn more about God's love for them. Lord may you bless our children and youth and help them to grow and learn and love the world and the people which you have created.

Father God, I pray also for those children and youth who struggle and suffer each day. For those that go hungry, may you bring to them a warm meal today. For those that are lonely, may you bring comfort and peace. For those who may be abused or neglected, may you give someone the courage to get involved. Lord you know the needs of all your children, help us to see and act to fill their needs, and not just our own.

Lord I pray too for our service organizations, charities, non profits, and churches. May you bless their work and may you be glorified and praised for what you do through them. Lord, I also pray for the new ministers to Brookings. May you bless them and their families. May this community bless and care for them, as they care for your people. May your spirit fill and use them.

For every individual and family in Brookings, Lord may you bless and care for them with your everlasting grace and mercy. For all who pray this prayer, I pray that God's seeking comfort find you, that His loving arm's bind you, that His might will protect you and wisdom direct you, I pray that the joyous love of Jesus Christ will be with you and those you know, now and forever more, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit I pray. Amen.