Prayer Service: Psalm 27 (Full Service)
Here is the audio from our prayer service this morning. The service was structured around 4 main blocks of prayer with songs of praise in between. The prayer prompts we followed during the service can be found below. The “sermon” is during prayer block 3: Psalm 27.
Prayer Block 1:
For Those Places Affected by the Crisis
Read: 1 Kings 8:37-43
Pray:
1. Thank God: (37-39)
Solomon prayed this prayer at the opening of the Temple. But when Christians pray, we have even greater grounds for confidence than Solomon—because we approach God not through an animal sacrifice, but based on his Son’s perfect sacrifice. So we know for certain that our heavenly Father hears us. Praise God for that wonderful privilege!
2. Forgive: (39)
Natural events often become natural disasters because of human greed, corruption, and selfishness—and it is usually the most vulnerable who suffer the consequences. Cry out to God for forgiveness for when this has been the case. Pray that he would spare people from the consequences of human sin.
3. Act: (39)
Pray for the work of disaster-relief agencies—ask God to empower their efforts to help those in need. Pray too for governments seeking to respond to this crisis—ask God to help them make wise decisions.
4. Show extravagant grace (41-43)
Whatever people’s religion or lack of one, disasters often cause them to turn to the divine for help. And although God doesn’t owe anyone an answer, his character is gracious and merciful. Pray that those caught up in this disaster would some how turn to the true God for help; and that, in his love, God would answer the pleas of the desperate.
5. Make his name known (43)
Ask God to grow his church in this nation. Pray that in the wake of this disaster, more and more people would come to know God truly—fully and finally revealed in the person of Christ.
FOR THE RECOVERY OF A SICK PERSON
Almighty and immortal God, giver of life and health: We implore your mercy for your servant N., that by your blessing upon him and upon those who minister to him with your healing gifts, he may be restored to health of body and mind, according to your gracious will, and may give thanks to you in your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer Block 2:
For Medical Professionals
Read: 2 Corinthians 1:3-11
Pray
1. Praise God (3-4)
Think back to emergencies or periods of illness when God comforted you. Thank God that he stands ready to comfort all those who turn to him for help.
2. Comfort in trouble (4)
Pray that Christian doctors, nurses, chaplains, and patients would have opportunities to share something of their faith with those in trouble. Ask God to help them speak of the only good news that can offer lasting comfort—that Christ can heal our relationship with God so that we can enjoy life to the full, forever. Pray by name for any Christians you know personally who are suffering.
3.Reliance on God (9)
However good our healthcare is, only God is in control of life and death. Pray that both patients and professionals would come to appreciate their own helplessness in the face of death—and turn to rely on God, who raises the dead.
4. Deliverance from danger (10)
God loves to deliver people from danger, including ill-health—in his grace, he often works through the skill of doctors and nurses. Ask him to use the professionals to save many lives and restore people to full health.
5. Answers to prayer (11)
Give thanks for the way God has answered your prayers in the past. Who else can you help by your prayers right now?
FOR THE MEDICAL PROFESSIONS
Almighty God, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ went about doing good, and healing all manner of sickness and disease among the people: Continue in our hospitals his gracious work among us [especially in __________]; console and heal the sick; grant to the physicians, nurses, and assisting staff wisdom and skill, diligence and patience; prosper their work, O Lord, and send down your blessing upon all who serve the suffering; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer Block 3:
PSALM 27 – ANXIETY’S ANTIDOTE
Prayer Block 4: FOR THOSE IN NEED
For the elderly
Look with mercy, O God our Father, on all whose increasing years bring them weakness, distress, or isolation [especially ______]. Provide for them homes of dignity and peace; give them understanding helpers, and the willingness to accept help; and as their strength diminishes, increase their faith and their assurance of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For those with chronic disease
Heavenly Father, sustainer of our life and source of our hope: Comfort and relieve all who endure long-term illness or persistent handicap [especially ______]. Give your grace to all who minister to their needs, that they may be strengthened in their weakness and have confidence in your loving care; through him who knows our weakness and has shared our sorrows, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
IN TIMES OF SOCIAL CONFLICT OR DISTRESS
Increase, O God, the spirit of neighborliness among us, that in peril we may uphold one another, in suffering tend to one another, and in homelessness, loneliness, or exile befriend one another. Grant us brave and enduring hearts that we may strengthen one another, until the disciplines and testing of these days are ended, and you again give peace in our time; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
FOR COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
O Lord Jesus Christ, in your earthly life you shared our toil and hallowed our labor: Guide those who maintain the commerce and industries of this land, and give to all who labor pride in their work, a just reward, and joy both in supplying need and in serving you; who with the Father and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, world without end. Amen.
BENEDICTION
Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time, with one accord to make our common supplications to you; and you have promised through your well beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will grant their requests: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen.