For Our Government

This Monday I led the Des Plaines City Council in the opening prayer. As I have the five previous times (since 2000), I included a passage from Scripture that God speaks to us about our duties as citizens, government, and faithful Christians. Today’s e-messenger is that passage and prayer. You may find the prayer familiar as it is the third time that I have offered this specific prayer and it includes petitions that we bring to our Heavenly Father at different occasions in Immanuel’s corporate worship services. As I have in the past, I include this prayer for all of us to say for government, its faithful servants, and citizens alike.

1 Peter 2:13-17

Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. (NIV)

In the name of God the Father † Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Dear Heavenly Father, you have created all things and you rule over all things. You have instituted earthly government for the good of your people. You have made all people of all nations for your glory. You have given our nation the freedoms and liberties we enjoy. You have also given us the responsibility to preserve them for the dignity of all people. Give to your people a zeal for justice that we use these liberties according to your gracious will.

Tonight and in every occasion, guide the members of this council in wisdom to use their intellect and office for the welfare of the city and to reach out in compassion for the needs of those who cannot speak for themselves. Give all of our citizens the sense of dignity for all human life including the unborn, those with various afflictions, and the aged and infirm. Grant that we and all the people of our nation and world have grace to maintain our liberties in your righteousness and peace in Jesus.

We pray for all who protect us here at home and in distant lands. Dear Father, protect them from harm and deliver them in times of trial and temptation. Comfort and strengthen the loved ones who await their safe return. Guide us all to live sharing the grace you have given us in your own Son, Jesus Christ.

These and all other petitions we bring to your care in the name of your one and only son, Jesus Christ who is our risen and ascended Lord and Savior. Together all God’s people say, “Amen.”