Prayer: Father in heaven, we mourn the state of your world that you made very good. Due to sin and its effects, it has been cast into chaos and disorder. We observe the tragic results of the fall of mankind into a world of misery, and that fall has not only affected your creation but it has affected your church and your people. In recent days, a branch of your church has determined to reject numerous truths articulated in your Word. With deep regret, we lament the state of your church which has substituted the culture for the unchanging truth contained in the Holy Scriptures. As in the days of old, the gold has become dim, and your sheep are harmed by shepherds who fail to protect and guard the sheep of your pasture. Your church refuses to be obedient to your law. She violates the Lord’s Day, substituting it for things that will not satisfy her. Your church continues to prostitute itself to the world by arguing that they are trying to be all things to all people while they end up being nothing to anyone. Your church tragically limits the influence of the Gospel, arguing that it cannot change the desires and inclinations of one’s heart and mind. She fails to seek your kingdom and righteousness but, instead, argues the ideas of our world and replaces the purity of the Gospel for social justice. Like Jeremiah, we too weep over Jerusalem and cry out to you for help. Therefore, holy Father, we plead with you to remove unfaithful churches from our world to protect your sheep from harm. We plead with you to purify your church and strengthen those seeking to be faithful to the faith once delivered to the saints. We are saddened, but we do not despair because your church will prevail over the gates of hell. Because of your faithfulness, the invisible church will prevail, and all enemies of it will be put under the feet of the true King and Lord of all.
We also pray for your world and the numerous issues facing it. We pray for your people in nations under threat. We ask that you watch over them and preserve them. We ask that you use them to advance your kingdom and glory as they seek to labor faithfully to the countless many who are in dire need of the hope of Christ. We plead with you to remember your promises to them. Remember your servants for good, O Lord, we pray through Christ Jesus. Amen.
Scripture Meditation: Gen. 3; Rom. 3:23; 6:23; Ex. 20:8-11; Is. 58:13-14; Lam. 4:1-2; Ps. 110
