Listener prayers for our nation

MARY REICHARD, HOST: Today is Monday, November 2nd. Good morning! This is The World and Everything in It from listener-supported WORLD Radio. I’m Mary Reichard.

NICK EICHER, HOST: And I’m Nick Eicher. Next up, prayers for our nation.

Last week, we asked you to send us recordings of yourselves reading Scripture and praying for our country during this important time. 

Our goal is to point all of our thoughts to God who is sovereign. He governs all things, even elections in a land that seems increasingly difficult to govern.

REICHARD: Here now are listeners Ava, Penny, and Nancy Ramsey reading Psalm 23.

Then, you’ll hear Duncan Holmes reading from the Common Book of Prayer.

Jared Musgrove follows, with a reading of Psalm 24.

And Jemima Deutsch rounding it all out with a prayer.

JEMIMA DEUTSCH: The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Amen

DUNCAN HOLMES: Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our power and privileges, guide the people of the United States, and of our community and state, in the election of officials and representatives that by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

JARED MUSGROVE: The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof,
the world and those who dwell therein,
for he has founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.

Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to what is false
and does not swear deceitfully.
He will receive blessing from the LORD
and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob.

Lift up your heads, O gates!
And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The LORD, strong and mighty,
the LORD, mighty in battle!
Lift up your heads, O gates!
And lift them up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The LORD of hosts,
he is the King of glory!

JEMIMA DEUTSCH: Thank you, Lord, for our country and the unique freedoms and relative ease we’ve enjoyed thus far. Thank you that you are sovereign, merciful, and longsuffering. We do not deserve any of the goodness we have experienced from your hand. Lord, as we pray for our nation at this most critical of crossroads, we know that no one and nothing can thwart your plans and purposes. We know that kingdoms rise and fall, leaders come and go, according to your grand design and power. So we ask that you will move and intervene on behalf of your people. And bring about the circumstances that will allow us to lead a life that is quiet and dignified, so that we may serve you with the strength you supply. Lord, as we look to the future, whether it be comfort or trouble, grant us courage to be your witnesses, and give us perseverance to be faithful until the end. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

(Photo/iStock)

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