GENERATIONAL PRAYERS
January 1, 2021
Happy New Year! Often when I am away from the city lights, I take the time to look up into the sky and admire the countless stars that too often I seem to take for granted. I think about all of the people who have looked at the same stars for thousands of years. Knowing that I am looking at the same things that so many people looked at long ago humbles me and connects me with humans all over the world. I am in awe and amazed at their creation.
I get similar feelings when I look at various old prayer books from all religions. For me, there are universal connections between all people in our prayers. It seems we all give thanks, all seek forgiveness for our shortcomings and all seek guidance. We pray for those who have come before us, those currently with us and those who will come after us. I want to share with you a few of the prayers that I use to pray for our 2021 journey that came of out my deceased mother’s Lutheran prayer book.
FOR OUR COUNTRY
Almighty God, you have given us this good land as our heritage. Make us always remember your generosity and constantly do your will. Bless our land with honest industry, truthful education, and an honorable way of life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil course of action. Make us who came from many nations with many different languages a united people. Defend our liberties and give those whom we have entrusted with the authority of government the spirit of wisdom, that there might be justice and peace in our land. When times are prosperous, let our hearts be thankful, and in troubled times, do not let our trust in you fail. We ask all this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
FOR THE UNEMPLOYED
Heavenly Father, we remember before you those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Guide the people where they work; make those who carry on the industries and commerce of this land responsive to your will, and to all of us, give pride in what we do and a just return for our labor, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
RECOVERY FROM SICKNESS
O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers, mercifully hear our prayers and grant to your servants the help of your power, that their sickness may be turned into health and our sorrow into joy, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
RESTORATION OF HEALTH
Almighty and gracious God, we give thanks that you have restored the health of your servants, on whose behalf we bless and praise your name. Grant that they may continue the mission you have given them in this world and also share in eternal glory at the appearing of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
REMEMBRANCE OF THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED
With reverence and affection, we remember before you, O everlasting God, all our departed friends and relatives. Keep us in union with them here through faith and love toward you, that hereafter we may enter into your presence and be numbered with those who serve you and look upon your face in glory everlasting, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
God bless you and yours. May we all make a positive difference in 2021 and beyond with God’s favor!
Written by KING AEROSPACE Founder, Jerry Allan King-Echevarria.