As we have been studying The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) these past few weeks, it is good for us to consider applying what we have learned to our own prayer lives, specifically to the needs and concerns around the world. May we pray together regarding the consistent unrest surrounding immigration in our nation as well as the unrest of many nations at war.
Our Father in Heaven, you are holy in all of your works and as such we know that when we come to you, you not only hear our prayers but your perfect wisdom provides the right answer. Therefore, we come to you praying specifically for our nation and for people from other nations (Psalm 67).
Amidst the unrest in our nation over immigration and law enforcement, we ask for Your peace to rule (Colossians 3:15) and Your justice to reign (Amos 5:24). The recent events in Minneapolis have intensified fear and tension, as such we are even more aware of our need for your wisdom (James 1:5) and help.
We pray for the immigrants in our country and within our church family who are struggling right now. We weep with those who are weeping (Romans 12:15) as they feel unseen or unsafe. We pray for those who are anxious, displaced, or separated. Help them cast their cares on you and offer them a peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).
We pray for our law enforcement agencies and government officials. Give them wisdom and courage to enforce laws with justice and flourishing in their minds. Where justice is being upheld, bless their efforts. Where injustice has taken root, expose it and stop it. We pray for those within our church who lead in these ways: guard them, lead them, and help them to lean on the fruit of the Spirit within them (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
We pray that you will pour out your mercy over those in other countries. We lift up those who are hurting in Iran, Venezuela, Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Nigeria, and so many other countries around the world. Provide justice, truth, comfort, and care as only you can (Psalm 46).
Ultimately, Father, we ask that the church in America and around the world will walk in a manner worthy of your calling. Help us live in humility, compassion, love, and may we maintain unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. Remove from us all bitterness and fear, as we serve as gospel ambassadors to a broken world (Ephesians 4).
We echo the words of Jesus when we pray “your kingdom come, and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). As such, we are reminded that we are not home yet. We say, Come, Lord Jesus (Revelation 22:20), because as we wait we want to love you with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and we want to love our neighbors both near and far as image bearers of yours (Mark 12:30-31).
Help us to do justice, love mercy, and to walk humbly with you, O God (Micah 6:8).
We pray this all in the name of Jesus, who is the Christ, AMEN.
Tags: prayer, faith, compassion, wisdom, mercy, hope, justice, peace, intercession, church unity, immigration, gospel witness, lord’s prayer, global unrest
