Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. . . Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you. Ephesians 4:29, 31-32.
Lord, in these hard times help us to speak to each other words of hope, optimism and faith–faith that we can and will overcome economic disaster and personal loss. Help us to speak to each other the words of encouragement that can help us persevere. Let us speak words of praise when deserved, ask questions that open the path to new ideas, and share the comfort of your word. Help us to speak to each other with honest words, including words of pain, sorrow, and accountability. Let us move away from words of blame, shame, hatred, and distrust, and find instead words of sharing, caring, and forgiveness. Help us O Lord find words that can build bridges — bridges between rich and poor, black and white, old and young, east and west, and between the other differences that divide. Help us move forward together, O Lord, as one country, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Amen.
Prayers For Our Country 
October 31, 2012 at 9:46 pm |
[…] Give us the courage to acknowledge our circumstances are complex, and that real solutions will take sacrifice, sharing, hard work and a willingness to work with others. Help us elect leaders who will place our common good over partisan loyalties and who will care for us all. Fill us with compassion and direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose. Help us to trust in you and to encourage one another. […]