A Two-Minute Civic Prayer You Can Use
from Patrick Morley
Volume 292
August 11, 2008
Recently I gave the invocation for the weekly meeting of the Orange County’s Board of County Commissioners here in Orlando. They really seemed to appreciate it!
There is a place in our ministries for civic prayer. It’s an opportunity to build a bridge, create good will, and connect with community leaders. Why not offer yourself to pray before public meetings? Feel free to use or adapt the following prayer as you please….
Our Dearest Father,
On behalf of a grateful community, today we ask for your blessing on these your public servants. We thank you for raising up leaders committed to the greater good.
Past
As to the past, we thank you for the foresight and wisdom of pioneer leaders who laid the foundations for this community and envisioned the success in which we now live. We thank you for the men and women of faith who have toiled for not only the progress of our prosperity but also the quality of our character.
Today
For this day, we pray for wisdom to mediate between commissioner and petitioner. The challenges they face are enormous; their work, important; their agenda, full. Grant them insight as they steward our precious resources. Give them understanding and strong judgment as they must make difficult choices among competing priorities.
Future
Show our leaders how to preserve the best of the past, yet build a future for the generations to come. In the same way they stand with awe and respect on the shoulders of those who preceded them, may all who follow in their footsteps in the same way honor them. We have no doubt that you have elevated these men and women to leadership for such a time as this.
With respect for men and women of all faiths, I make these petitions in the name of my Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Suggestions:
- Do be sensitive to the sensitivities of others.
- Notice the way I was still able to pray in Jesus name. No one was offended at all.
- Do pray in a spirit of “neighbor love.”
- Don’t preach.
- Don’t evangelize.
- Don’t deliver a “message.”
If you get a gig, let me know how it turns out!
Yours for changed lives,
Patrick Morley, Ph.D. |
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P.S. Please note the date change for the Annual Summit to January 22-24, 2009. (The first date yours truly picked was the BCS Championship Game. Learn more at www.maninthemirrorsummit.org or write me with your questions at patrickmorley@maninthemirror.org.
P.P.S. Thank you for the OVERWHELMING response to my request for the names of influential pastors and denominational leaders! If you haven’t responded yet you can still send them to me at patrickmorley@maninthemirror.org.
P.P.P.S. Also, thanks for the great feedback on your favorite books . I’m going to switch from the Weekly Briefing from an email to a blog format in 2009. That way you will be able to see eveyone's comments if you so desire! |
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