A Congregational Psalm
R. Keith Lane of New Braunfels, TX, USA
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble….
“Be still, and know that I am God!” -Psalm 46:1, 10a
Oh, Lord, our God, thou hast led us thus far and shall lead us further. Thy people shall follow the path thy Spirit tramps out for us. Narrow is that path; so easy to drift astray into the weeds, but with your strength to hold us up with courage, we will travel with watchful eye and glad heart.
Oh, Lord, our God, thou hast led us thus far and shall lead us further. With thy full armor girded about us we shall preach and teach the gospel as your Son, Jesus of Nazareth, set forth-good news that has withstood the winds of time. As thou art an unchanging God, the same in the past, the present, and the future, so is the gospel of Christ unchanging. Let your Spirit guide us in our understanding.
Oh, Lord, our God, thou hast led us thus far and shall lead us further. In our weakness thou givest strength. In times of our fear thou givest courage. In times of our ignorance thou givest knowledge. In times of societal ills thou givest understanding. In times of turmoil thou standest with us to prevail over evil.
Oh, Lord, our God, thou hast led us thus far and shall lead us further. We thank thee, our Heavenly Father, for the gift of thy Spirit, for the gift of thy Son, Jesus, and for the gifts of grace, love, and mercy. Stay with us, O Lord, guide and protect us as we endeavor to serve thee and each other. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who have sinned against us.
We pray these things in the name of the everlasting, who was in the beginning, now, and shall always be alive and in us. Amen.
Prayer Phrase
“For everything there is a season” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
Spiritual Practice
Seasons of Life
The Christian calendar takes us through many kinds of seasons: religious seasons, seasons in nature, and seasons of the soul. Depending on where you live on this beautiful planet, you may be experiencing the heart of autumn or the hope of spring. A season is a time of transition, reminding us that life occurs in cycles, both inwardly and outwardly. Contemplate what season you find yourself in right now. Maybe you feel called to notice the signs of the shifting earth around you, or perhaps you are drawn to the condition of your soul as you discern what season of life is inviting your attention. How are you formed through all the seasons of life?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
