This past week, the heavens were telling, as never before, the glory of God, and the firmament proclaimed His handiwork in a sight never before seen by millions of Americans. We gather to worship a God so immense and mysterious that the word “God” cannot possibly do His existence justice. Greatly limited as we may be, our Creator bids us come to Him in worship, not for His sake, but for ours. Let us therefore, with the sun eclipsed, but our faith ever-expanding as a result of it, worship God.
Pastoral Prayer
Great and loving Creator God, this week we who are committed to Thee saw unique evidence of Thy creative purposes in a singular astronomical event in the lives of most of us. A few saw the solar eclipse clearly, others saw it as through a glass, darkly, and others did not see it at all. Having seen it on television, or having read about it, all of us are struck by the singularity of this special event, and by the surprising manner by which it brought the nation together in unanticipated ways. Help us, as we contemplate the eclipse, to be reminded once again of how great Thou art, and how small we are in relationship to Thee and Thy purposes.
Nevertheless we thank Thee that we can approach Thee in prayer like children who approach their parents with their concerns and requests. We ask Thy forgiveness for the ways in which we fail to do Thy will and through which we ignore Thy laws. In being chastened by Thee, may we also be encouraged by Thee to do better and to act more responsibly and respectfully. Teach us to love one another as Thou dost love us, and as we have been shown love through Jesus, Thy Son, and our Master. Instill within us the spirit which was within him, whereby we may seek the best for everyone around us, even as we seek the best for ourselves so naturally and with no forethought at all.
We pray for our President and for the leaders of our government in the apparent unraveling of thoughtful governance which seems to elude everyone. By Thy spirit moving within them, may the rancor between the President and the people of his own political party subside, so that progress rather than regression may be made. Grant courage where it is lacking, wisdom where it is in short supply, and understanding where incomprehensibility seems so prevalent. These prayers we make in Jesus’ name. Now together we pray as Jesus taught us, saying, Our Father….