An Election Eve Prayer

Today is November 2nd, 2020. Tomorrow the leader of our country will be elected. It will be an eventful day. As we say goodnight to this day, here are where my thoughts are. This is my prayer for tomorrow and the coming days.

Father in Heaven, I pray and ask that you be with our country and all the wonderful people who make it what it is. Your strength will be very needed by so many of us.

I pray…

That the right person is elected. Your will may not always be done by whoever is in leadership, but you are in control. I don’t know why you do the things that you do, but please let us all accept your guidance, Father. Let us all accept the outcome and support who you have allowed to lead on this earth.

That whoever our President elect is tomorrow, that his administration is blessed. That he is able to accomplish much for our country and her people. I pray that our President succeeds in his endeavors, because his failures will ultimately also be my failures.

That love rules the day. We may not all see eye to eye, we may not agree with each other… Father, we may not even like each other. But let us all love each other as Jesus showed us how to do. His apostles didn’t all get along, and were on separate ends of the political spectrum – but they turned the world upside down for you. Let us love like they did, and make this world a better place for it.

That there is peace. I pray there will be no riots, no violence, and no hatred. If some individuals incite rioting and violence, I pray that the innocent escape harm, and that fair justice is served on those who are not innocent.

Father, I know that my words cannot change the world, but Jesus can. Let the Spirit guide us, and show us all how to live like true children of the King. Let us also remember that this world is not our home! We may hold citizenship as Americans on this planet, but our focus, our greater calling, our ultimate and first allegiance is in Heaven.

Its through your son, Jesus, name I pray all these things. Let the church together say…

Richie Reads: “You Are Special”, by Max Lucado

Since our congregation hasn’t been able to meet because of the social distancing suggestions, we have been recording and posting our worship services on YouTube. I also started recording videos for our kiddos who aren’t able to go to their Bible classes. We’ll sing a song or two, read a story, make a very light application, and close with a prayer. Each video has gotten better as I learn more about videography, I may have taken a step backwards once or twice, but forward mostly.

I hope these are useful for you and your families in these strange times of social distancing, and I pray you all stay healthy.

Lay Your Burden Down

Have you even been so busy that you just don’t know what do next? Maybe you have so much to do on your list, you just shutdown and don’t do any of it. Ever felt overwhelmed? Anxious? Can’t catch your breath? You know, other things…

I have, and I’m feeling that right now. When I teach my youth group or preach I often remind people that everything I teach is something that I need to hear or has been on my heart. This blog is no different. The burdens for me right now are: school, big events for the church and youth group, health insurance (I’m getting out of the Air Force and Tricare is going away), our vehicles need some work, and a few other more private matters.

Here are some scriptures that I have been thinking on and praying about today.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.  (Hebrews 12:1-2)

 

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

 

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

 

Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. (Psalms 55:22)

 

fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

And this song:

 

What are burdens you are carrying today? I’ll be happy to pray for you and I’d appreciate your prayers for me.