A Prayer for the Economy

For National Day of Prayer 5-7-2020
"Pray God's Glory Across the Earth"

Eternal God – Our Heavenly Father,

In the news today, another 3.12 million Americans filed for unemployment; the 7-week total has reached 33 million. This Coronavirus has not only caused thousands to die prematurely – both here in the United States and in Countries worldwide. It has put millions out of work – caused loss of income needed to support families, pay for rent or mortgages (provide roof over heads), put food on table (feed the hungry) and cover other essentials such as medicine, transportation, etc.

In your Holy Word there are many references on work. In Genesis 2:15 we read – You, “the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Following mankind’s fall into sin you stated, “Cursed is the ground because of you (man); through painful toil (work) you will eat of it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow (strenuous work) you will eat your food” (Genesis 3:17-19).

    
This you, Oh Lord God, have decreed for mankind – and it has been true down through thousands of years of human history.

    
The Apostle Paul gave this exhortation in his letter to the Ephesian Christians – “He (people) must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in  need" (Ephesians 4:28).

    
He, Paul, practiced what he preached for he stated this to the Thessalonians: “You ought to follow our example, we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you… we did this to make a model for you to follow… we gave you this rule; ‘If a man will not work, he shall not eat.’” (II Thessalonians 3:7-10).

   
People need to work. People want to work but today many millions have lost their employment due to the COVID19 health crisis. So, Lord God we are praying for this disease to be abated – that the health threat would reside so that businesses can again be open to serve the public’s needs and provide gainful employment for their workers. Without jobs people can’t provide for their families (home, food, medicine, transportation).

    
They can’t “render to Caesar” (the government) revenue to provide needed service to protect citizens. They can’t “give to God” their tithes and offerings for ministries…

    
We ask for a healing of our land of the disease and its affect on the economy. We ask not for selfish reasons but to provide work so that the other needful things can be realized again.

    
We continue to pray for your protection for those who are still working – in the healthcare field, first time responders and people serving in essential services including retail (for food and other essentials).

   
Grant these requests/prayers offered in Jesus name – Amen!

Lincoln Day Dinner Invocation

February 12, 2020

Eternal and Heavenly Father – 

We pause at the beginning of this evening’s dinner and event to acknowledge your presence and Sovereignty in the world.

We would be remiss to not express our thanks and gratitude for the blessing of Liberty that we enjoy – peace, prosperity, freedom…And the material blessings of food, clothing and shelter

- things that so many lack elsewhere in the World. Inspire us to not only enjoy these blessings but to share with the less fortunate – the “least of these” even as unto You.

We remember to pray for our President and Government Leaders – as your Word admonishes – that they may govern wisely and in accordance with your wisdom and will.

And we pray that we – the United States of America – might be a “more perfect union,” indeed “One Nation under God” - offering life, liberty and opportunity for ALL.

Bless now the food and our fellowship – we are about to enjoy.

Amen!

Who and When to Call

      Surveys reveal that 50% of people of faith are not connected to a Congregation. No doubt most of these people were part of a worship center sometime in their past but for a variety of reasons are no longer. A comment often heard from such individuals is “I’m spiritual but not religious.” However, there are certain life events that usually involve a religious service of some order. These happenings include weddings, funerals, baptisms or dedications.

      Clergy, professional members of religious organizations, are often called upon to lead and officiate at such events. It is a service opportunity that ordained individuals are glad to be invited to participate in. Most often people will contact a clergy person who is part of a denomination they have had some previous history with; or a place located in the nearby vicinity.

      Now to the question of when to call. Most clergy who officiate at weddings usually require some premarital counseling that includes wedding particulars as well as marital advice. Contacting clergy six to nine months prior to the wedding date helps to fit this into all the other details that need planning and scheduling.

      Funerals generally do not require as long a process. Most often the passing of a loved one or friend is sudden and unexpected. That stated there is wisdom in giving some thought to where, what and who should be involved. Writing this down and or letting others know your preferences makes it easier for those left behind to make the decisions on these things when the need arises.

      In situations where there is a protracted illness, contacting a clergy person will enable them to minister to the dying person and their family members. Calling upon a religious leader who has had some connection with the deceased and their family certainly helps to be of comfort at such a time of loss.

      Baptism, christening and dedications are joyful celebrations that usually include some planning and event preparations so several months in advance to the date is preferable.

The last matter is what amount should be the offering or honorarium for the officiant. Guidance for this may depend upon the size and budget for the event. I for one leave this up to the family to decide but other clergy may have specific amounts in mind so the best advise is to simply ask.