This is the one-hundred-thirty-ninth lesson in author and pastor Mel Lawrenz’ How to Live the Bible series. If you know someone or a group who would like to follow along on this journey through Scripture, they can get more info and sign up to receive these essays via email here.

Dear God,

You have blessed us with the gift of life, and so, with every breath we take, we are your testimony of the value and sanctity of life. You have blessed us by putting us in a world that is your spectacular creation full of wonder; and you allow us to live in a nation rich with natural resources and incredible beauty. Help us to marvel at the blessings of your creation and to be responsible stewards of the land you have made.

You have blessed us with marriage and family and friendship. And so we ask you to help us cherish and respect these relationships you have woven into the human race, and may we honor those relationships by living them out with grace and truth.

You have blessed us with the gift of freedom.

The freedom by which we can gather together.

The freedom by which we make sober choices about how we conduct ourselves as a nation.

The freedom by which we can show acts of mercy to those who suffer or are disadvantaged.

The freedom by which we as citizens may exercise responsible discernment in the selection of our leaders.

The freedom by which we as fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers, and friends and neighbors and fellow-workers can build each other up to be the people you created us to be.

We pray for the leaders of our nation. Please bless and empower and guide them in these days which are the stepping stones to our future.

We acknowledge our daily need for your forgiveness of our shortcomings, and acknowledge our need for your protection against those who would harm and destroy. We are citizens of this nation, but we know that, to you, all the nations are together like a drop in a bucket, as dust on the scales.

We are today and always under your watchful eye as loving Father, saving Son, and purifying Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Excerpt from Prayers for Our Lives: 95 Lifelines to God for Everyday Circumstances by Mel Lawrenz.
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Mel Lawrenz (@MelLawrenz) trains an international network of Christian leaders, ministry pioneers, and thought-leaders. He served as senior pastor of Elmbrook Church in Brookfield, Wisconsin, for ten years and now serves as Elmbrook’s teaching pastor. He has a PhD in the history of Christian thought and is on the adjunct faculty of Trinity International University. Mel’s many books include Spiritual Leadership Today: Having Deep Influence in Every Walk of Life (Zondervan, 2016). See more of Mel’s writing at WordWay.