I have the privilege to give the invocation at the Lancaster for Liberty Tea Party taking place in Lancaster County Park from 1-5PM. They asked me after seeing the prayer controversy at the House. Here is the prayer I will deliver:
Gracious God and loving Lord, we come before you this afternoon to celebrate the good work of Lancaster for Liberty and for the dozens of people who will gather here today. We are encouraged by the fact that there are people who are compelled to labor on behalf of their fellow citizens and promote the kind of change as outlined in the principles of your Old and New Testament, thus lifting up your righteous conscience.
We are reminded what your holy word says: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” Sadly, our nation stands in disgrace this day because of our willful sin, and simply from failing to acknowledge your righteousness. The heavens declared your glory; yet we have dismissed the idea of there being a Creator. Human life mirrors your glory; yet we have devalued the life that comes from your breath. Your scriptures tell us about your glory; yet some have said there is no truth and have silenced your sovereign Word. Your people have failed to proclaim your righteousness in the midst of a dark and depraved world. Forgive us.
Yet with great HOPE, Father, we believe that if we declare your truth and stand for your righteousness true CHANGE could come: We believe…
- Your righteousness can beat back the corruption which permeates politics.
- Your righteousness can reveal truth even though lies are confidently and constantly spoken from the lips of our leaders.
- Your righteousness can humble the proud and the haughty that refuse to answer questions and attempt to live beyond accountability.
- Your righteousness can expose the darkness of back rooms where decisions are done in secret and deals are made away from the purview of the citizenry.
- Your righteousness can rebuke the false accusations of national leaders who attempt to cause racial agitation.
- Your righteousness can make right undisciplined use of taxpayer’s funds which are sacrificed to satisfy political favors.
- Your righteousness can lay bare community organizers who use their charitable trust to encourage criminal activity and vile immorality.
- Your righteousness can unite the hearts of political foes to solve a state budget impasse and set a course of fiscal responsibility.
- Your righteousness can melt the heart of any abortionist, pornographer, homosexual, embezzler, and anyone else who would gleefully support and encourage these offenses to you and your character.
God, make your righteousness known to all the earth and use your people to make it known. Give us boldness, wisdom, endless creativity, passion, and unwavering steadfastness, even in the midst of opposition. But first and foremost, let your righteousness fall on us and manifest itself in us. Let your judgment begin first in the household of faith. Root out our iniquity. Remove our apathy. Revitalize your people to be clarions of your righteousness. Let each of us who admire your righteousness, carry the burden of being an announcer of that righteousness. God help us.
Finally, I pray for all our elected officials who desire to see change come in our nation. We admire their courage to stand up for the truth and attempt to hold back the tide of erosion and devastation upon our national identity. Yet I pray that they will do this by pursuing righteousness personally; proclaiming righteousness publicly, and protecting righteousness passionately. Reveal any unrighteousness in them so that they may be right with you and above reproach in the eyes of those they serve. May they choose the narrow way which leads to life. May they have the faith of Abraham, the courage of Daniel, the truthfulness of Nathan, the wisdom of Solomon, the boldness of John the Baptist, and the diligence of Paul. Lord, show them your favor. Place a hedge of protection around their spouses and children. Protect them from any evil.
We thank you for the privilege of prayer. Bless this day’s events, for your honor and glory and the pleasure of the one whose name we pray - the name of your Son, our living Savior, coming Messiah and reigning Master, Jesus the Christ. Amen.