Prophetic Prayer

I have said often that the vocation of prophet is not for the faint of heart.  Calling your family and neighbors back into right relationship with God can get you into a lot of trouble, if not killed, especially if you are seen as calling another’s actions into question.  Rather than accuse someone of not living into the obligations of being in a right relationship with God, sometimes it is better to remind people, especially those in positions of authority in our society, of what their obligations are while hoping and praying they will self-examine that they are, indeed, living into their part of the bargain.
That is why we pray for our country and those who have been elected to make our government work.  These prayers are intended to be offered without regard to party or affiliation.  We are not here to debate about who is “right” or what is going “wrong.”  This is about reminding us and those who serve about our basic values as humans, Christians, and Americans. I believe there is a prophetic voice in these statements, reminding us of the best of ourselves and what we want to accomplish in our society – freedom and justice for all.  We might not agree on the best way to do that, but hopefully we do agree that we seek to respect the dignity of every human being.  That begins with prayer and a desire to be transformed by God.
During this week when we celebrate the creation of the United States of America, here are 2 wonderful prayer resources from our Book of Common Prayer that offers us the opportunity to live into our Baptismal Covenant and our pledge of allegiance to the United States of America.
Prayer for the Nation
Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace: Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP, page 258)

For Sound Government
O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth.
Lord, keep this nation under your care.

To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name.
For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Amen. (BCP, pp. 821-822)

In Christ,

Rev. Valerie+

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