Ask the LORD for rain in the springtime;
it is the LORD who sends the thunderstorms.
He gives showers of rain to all people,
and plants of the field to everyone.
The idols speak deceitfully, diviners see visions that lie;
they tell dreams that are false, they give comfort in vain.
Therefore the people wander like sheep
oppressed for lack of a shepherd.
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You are the God of the universe, the creator, in control of nature and sovereign over all things and all people. It is to you that we must come; you are the one we must put our trust in, for our daily bread, for our salvation, for peace, comfort joy and hope because they come only through you.
This morning, Father, we pray for those who look elsewhere for guidance and comfort. In millenia past people worshipped idols, and they still do today in some places. Here, in our country, people are willing to believe all sorts of things that have no basis in fact and gladly exchange the truth for a lie if it means they can carry on living however they want to. They will find no peace and no comfort outside of the truth and are like sheep without a shepherd – lost.
Father we pray for the lost, that you would seek them out and lead them on the right path.
We pray for false teachers who have led them astray. We pray that you would open their eyes and cause them to repent, for we know that otherwise they will be condemned. Lord have mercy.
In Christ’s name.
AMEN.