Lord, I know that nothing is new to You. That there’s no such thing as “unprecedented times.” I know that You’re controlling everything that goes on down here, even though it all seems completely out of control to me.

And I know that You have in Your hand the power of redemption.  That You alone, can make beauty from ashes, perfection from broken-ness.

So today, in light of the chaos all around us, I pray You will remember us with your redemption. 

For our nation, Lord, redemption. Let the truth of your Gospel shine out, and illuminate the darkness and deception. So that we may see it and be reminded of the seriousness of our warfare. But also in order that the world may see it. That they may run from it, to You. 

Redeem the men and women who make the laws in our land. Those who have the power to give us our freedom, and the power to take it away. Show Yourself to them, Lord, for one glimpse of Your glory could change their lives forever.

You are our only hope, Lord. Redeem their hearts. Turn their hatred into love. Let Your holy Name be praised by lips who once scorned it. 

Let those who murder, be redeemed. Be their target policemen, minorities, or unborn babies, the need for redemption is the same. Soften their hearts, let their thirst for shedding blood be washed away by one drop of Yours. Give them a zeal for saving lives instead. 

Lord, in selfishness, I sometimes want to ask You for justice, vengeance. But You had grace for me. Oh, the limitless wonders this same redemption could work, if it were poured on these powerful ones. Even so, Lord, Your will be done.      

For your Church, Lord, redemption. Let obedience to You be held high in our hearts, far more than the approval of men. Tear down the idol of outward appearance. Look on our hearts, Lord, and show us ‘if there be any wicked way in us.” 

Let Your ministers, as strong, gentle shepherds, lead their flocks in a path of obedience to what is right and true, rather than what seems good in the sight of man. Give them resilience to face the forces of evil, and protect and feed their flocks.  

Help us remember that denominations are only temporary, and not put our trust in men, but in You. Give us that pure love in our hearts which is the badge of discipleship. 

Redeem the attitudes of our hearts that want to bristle and growl when we don’t see eye to eye. Help us to extend the same grace that You have bestowed on us.  Draw our gaze to Yourself, we who are so prone to fixate on things of no eternal consequence. Help us learn, that if we seek first the Kingdom, everything else will be added.

For future generations, Lord, redemption. Let us not exercise only symptom control, when heart change is the answer. Pour wisdom on those who are parents, and also those who are not parents. The former, so that we may impart that wisdom on those who look up to us. For the latter, the same.

We seek you, Lord, as we endeavor to raise a generation of soldiers for Your army. The war is raging around us, and sometimes it’s hard to hear You in all the noise. We draw near to You Lord, that You may draw near to us. If we have ever needed an outpouring of your wisdom, it is now. 

Redeem our unthankfulness, and let us overflow with gratitude. Turn our worrying into worship!

Strengthen us, fill us, feed us. Remind us when we fret about losing battles, that YOU HAVE ALREADY WON THE WAR! 

Hallelujah and Amen