November 23, 2021, | by Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner |NCNW National Chaplain and President of Skinner Leadership Institute| barbarawilliams-skinner.com
Almighty and awesome God, we approach your throne of grace and mercy with hearts of gratitude and thanksgiving for your keeping power over our lives. We know for sure if it had not been for you on our side we would have perished a long time ago.
Today and every day, may we remember your word in Psalms 136:1, “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” Forgive us, O God, for the many times we failed to thank you for your unshakable foundation of protection, provision, and peace through life’s tribulations and unpredictable storms. In every trial, help us to see you, knowing that nothing can ever separate us from your love.
Though frightening events now torment our nation—heightening racial tensions, anti-democratic leanings, domestic terrorism, vigilantism, and unjust rulings in courts of law---you, O God, are still on the throne. You are still sitting high, looking low, and watching over the affairs of all your children. You are still our strength, our rock, our fortress, and our deliverer. So, with grateful hearts, we give you thanks for allowing families and loved ones in our nation to unite in joyful reunion after pandemic-filled months of separation and painful isolation. Keep us safe, even as we gather.
When our earthly load gets too heavy, and the mountains of our lives are too steep to climb, help us to lift our eyes to the hills where our help comes, for our help comes from you, the Maker of heaven and earth. In your mighty and matchless name we pray, Lord Jesus. Amen
