A Prayer
to use with Children in Troubled Times
A
Prayer...
Our Father, who
art in heaven. Hallowed be Thy name.
Dear
Father in heaven, we have big troubles here on earth. There are wars
and rumors of wars. But you already know that because You are also
right here beside us. Help us be strong in You in times like these.
We know that You are Lord of all nations, whether they know it or
not.
Thy
kingdom come.
Even
though kingdoms and countries turn against each other, we turn to
You. Above all other concerns we have, we pray that Your kingdom may
rule our hearts and lives.
Thy
will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
We
know that threats and fighting and hurtful, harmful ways are not Your
will. Your will is that people come to faith in Jesus and be saved.
Your way is one of love and peace and kindness. Change the hearts
of people to follow Your will rather than their own way.
Give
us this day our daily bread.
You
have given us a wonderful land that we love. You have blessed us with
Your goodness. Now we pray for a special blessing on our nation’s
leaders. Guide them to make wise decisions. Lead them to follow Your
ways.
And
forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against
us.
War
is never a good thing. Arguments and fighting happen between nations,
and even between people in their own families. This happens because
of sin and the consequences of sin in this world. Forgive our sins
because of Jesus. Lead us to forgive other people who sin against
us. And lead more people to come to repentance and faith in the forgiveness
You offer through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
And
lead us not into temptation.
Help
us to not be tempted to want revenge or to hurt someone we don’t
like or to say mean and unkind things even to our enemies. If our
military must fight, lead them to do so for the protection of our
country, to advance the common good, and to strive for peace.
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