Point of Grace Worship 7.4.21 Sermon Notes – The Church Prays for the Nation 7.4.21

It is Sunday the Fourth of July!

1 Timothy 2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.

Why and how does the church pray for the nation and leaders?

1) We are “urged”! I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority.

2) We “give thanks”!

3) We make “petitions and intercessions” for civil leaders “that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” What makes for a peaceful and quiet society? Justice, safety, security, basic provision etc.

4) We remember as we pray that the ultimate hope of mankind is Jesus! Life with Him is the only ultimate security! The church is called to be “salt and light” in a broken world offering what no human leaders or nations can!

Let’s Pray!

Matthew 11 28 “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Psalm 23 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul.

Jesus says, “Come to Me!” ….. I say, “Restore my soul!”

Prayer of the Week

This week we include in this prayer language from “Prayer for the Nation” from our Lutheran denominational resources.

Almighty God and Father, as we celebrate this week of the 4th of July we recognize that You have given us this good land as our heritage. Grant that we 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. Grant that we, who came from many nations with many different languages, may become a united people. Support us in defending our liberties, and give those to whom we have entrusted the authority of government the spirit of wisdom, that there may be justice and peace in our land. When times are prosperous, may our hearts be thankful, and in troubled times do not let our trust in You fail.

Lord, keep this nation under Your care. Bless the leaders of our land that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to the other nations of the earth. Grant that we may choose trustworthy leaders, contribute to wise decisions for the general welfare, and serve You faithfully in our generation.

As we move into the second half of the summer lead us as individuals, families and a church to hear and respond to Your gracious call on our souls, “Come to Me … and I will give you rest”. Help us respond to that gracious call with this simple request from our hearts, “Restore my soul, Jesus, Restore my soul.”

Amen

Resources for this Week

Here are some suggested readings for each day of this week. The Meditation Hints below may help you listen and receive all God has for you.

Mon – 1 Timothy2:1-6 Tue – Matthew 22:15-22 Wed – 1 Peter 2:11-17 Thu – Psalm 42:1-7 Fri – Matthew 11:27-30 Sat - Psalm 23

Meditation Hints:

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone. Take some deep breaths… Just be… “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word! I rest in You!”

Scripture – Read the scripture slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there! Reflect on what you are noticing and where He is leading your thoughts.

Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?” Talk about what you notice is on your heart. Begin to own the “word of God” being revealed to you.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God, resting and listening and being loved