Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:2 NIV)
Even to your old age and gray hairs
I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Remember this, keep it in mind,
take it to heart, you rebels.
Remember the former things, those of long ago;
I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me.
I make known the end from the beginning,
from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say, ‘My purpose will stand,
and I will do all that I please.’ (Psalm 46:4, 8-10 NIV)
All-Powerful God,
Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting, you are God. A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, like a watch in the night.
Today, we remember all you have done for this nation throughout its history. From its early days as colonies, to its emergence as a young nation under a loose confederation of states, to its current status as a world superpower, we do not take for granted the ways you have guided and guarded it. You have been our dwelling place throughout all generations; you are our God.
We recognize that not all of this nation’s inhabitants have been followers of Jesus, but we thank you for the political system you guided into existence, which has allowed many different people groups and religions to coexist under the same government. Thank you for the ways you have brought about correction in areas that were not in accordance with your will, such as chattel slavery and unequal access to rights under the law. We thank you that, throughout its history, this nation has been largely stable, and we recognize your hand of blessing upon us during that time.
God, we recognize that this same political system leaves room for ideologies that do not support life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in this constitutional republic. Today, we pray that, by your Spirit, voters in this nation would have the wisdom and discernment to recognize forces from within that seek to radically change our system, limit our freedoms, and ultimately lead to the persecution of Christians and other people groups. We pray that, by your Spirit, you will remind voters of the need to elect officials who understand their responsibility to steward this nation and care not only for the present but also for its future. We pray that voters would seek your vision and guidance as they cast their votes, so that your wisdom would reveal what you can do through a nation aligned with your will and purposes. We pray that your purpose will stand and that you will do all you please.
God, help this generation to be good stewards so that future generations may be blessed.
In Jesus’s name we pray, AMEN.
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. (2 Peter 3:8 NIV)
For the revelation awaits an appointed time;
it speaks of the end
and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it;
it will certainly come
and will not delay. (Habakkuk 2:3 NIV)
Lord, you have been our dwelling place
throughout all generations.
Before the mountains were born
or you brought forth the whole world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
A thousand years in your sight
are like a day that has just gone by,
or like a watch in the night. (Psalm 90:1-2, 4 NIV)