A Prayer for these tense times, from Dr. Dale Meyer

Hear our prayer, O God; do not hide yourself from our petition. Nations are preparing for war. Tens of thousands are armed. The machines and technology of destruction are ready. Who can withstand the destruction that may be imminent? You, O God, who are enthroned of old above the highest of heavens, have decreed that the governments of this earth are for the protection of the people You have made, that every nation is to promote good and hinder and punish evil. Let every citizen know what You require, to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with You. Guide our leaders in ways You only know and only You can accomplish so that wars and rumors of war lessen. As we watch this present exercise of worldly will and might, amidst suspicions and fears, accomplish Your will for the physical care of all people, Your righteous people and those who do not yet honor You. We earnestly pray that our nation, all our people and our leaders, will work so that Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, your Name be hallowed and we may live peaceful lives in which Your kingdom comes.

We pray for inner calm to every humble person who knows that Your kingdom is not of this world, that You have given and continue to give Your love to us for our eternal life. Your still, small voice does not come into our hearts through worldly power and might, but by the words of Your Son whose Spirit lives in our hearts. We pray Your Spirit will speak the eternal to everyone fearful of the present. To people whose lives may be taken, to those whose homes and livelihoods may be destroyed, to spouses and families of those in danger for the protection of fellow citizens, and to those of us who soldier by prayer and encouragement, set our hearts on Your love for us, on the promise we will know Your love in the coming life of heaven, experiencing Your love in greater ways than we know Your love now in this life. Amidst distress, give us assurance. In things temporal, sustain us with confidence in the eternal. You have revealed Your love so that we might have peace. “In God the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust and will not be afraid.” Amen.