Please note: this is the outline for the Pastoral Prayer shared with the church at the sermon open on Sunday, June 26th, 2022

God, this morning we turn to you to humbly ask for your help as many in our nation celebrate what is known as PRIDE month.

We know from your Word that you oppose the proud but give grace to the humble. Proverbs 21 reminds us…

Proverbs 21:23–24
[23] Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue
keeps himself out of trouble.
[24] “Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man
who acts with arrogant pride.

2 Peter 3 tells us that there will be days when people will scoff at your name in their arrogance as they pursue their own sinful desires.

So, this morning, our starting place for our humility is acknowledging that you are the author of life. You are the one who has the authority to direct your good design. You do so for our good and for your own glory and we submit ourselves to your ways.

For our children & marriages, we pray for protection. For those who are single, we pray for wisdom.

For our brothers and sisters who have been rescued out of a homosexual lifestyle, we praise you and thank you for your redemption. For our brothers and sisters who struggle with same-sex attractions and temptations, we pray for your divine strength as they seek to honor you with all of their hearts, mind, and strength.

For those who would be struggling with their own sexuality - may they find clarity through the heart of your purposes in our ‘fearful and wonderful’ making. You know our frame, you know how we were knit together in our mother’s wombs.

May Your kindness lead to repentance for any who are in sin.
May the church’s humbly turning to you in prayer be part of the process of bringing healing to our land.

Jesus, you are our great shepherd who laid down his life for his sheep and you instruct us in John 10:10

John 10:10 - [10] The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

We pray, for all who turn to you, a fullness of life experiencing the abundance of grace that you pour out. We pray this for those we would interact with in the world, or in our own homes, as well as for our own hearts and minds.

May our collective witness not only point to your glory but walk in mercy toward others. Strengthen all of us to walk in a long, eternal direction together.

We need you, so we look to you alone for help in our time of need, drawing near in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Behold the man upon a cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished