Pastoral Letter for an Anxious Time
This communique went out to the Spanish River Congregation today by email. I hope it will help you to pray as well.
Dear SRC Congregation and Friends,
Once again, we find ourselves witnessing violence in our fragile world, this time due to the rising threat of nuclear weapons being launched by Iran against Israel. It’s natural to feel anxious in such uncertain and fearful times. But we belong to a Kingdom that cannot be shaken, and even when “the nations rage,” we hold fast to the peace and strength of the Lord Almighty.
Because this is true, because Christ has saved us and will come again, we can bring every anxious thought to Him in prayer. Let’s pray together:
For the peace of the world and the unity of the Church: Lord, hear our prayer.
For wisdom for national leaders, especially our own elected and appointed officials, including the President, his Cabinet, and our security and military leaders and their families: Lord, hear our prayer.
For the nations of the world, especially Israel and Iran, and for all leaders working to secure peace: Lord, hear our prayer.
For our Jewish friends, family, and neighbors, as they face renewed hostility, prejudice, and fear: Lord, hear our prayer.
Let us also pray together the words Jesus taught us:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be your Name.
Your Kingdom come, your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins,
As we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
And as we continue to pray for an end to war and the coming of true and lasting peace in our strife-torn world, I invite you to meditate on and speak these words of Psalm 46 over your heart and family tonight.
God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
Though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
The holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
He utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Come, behold the works of the Lord,
How he has brought desolations on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
He burns the chariots with fire.
“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
With gratitude for each of you, and hope anchored in Christ,
Pastor David Cassidy