Prayer for wisdom and courage

A local group of conservative businessmen will meet for lunch and hear the Republican candidates for the 11th Congressional seat. I've been asked to pray. Here is the prayer:

Father, we are grateful for this new day. We thank you for your provision for us and for your watchcare over us.

Lord, we acknowledge you as the giver of every good and perfect gift, and as our Creator, the One who has endowed us with the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

You, Lord, are the God of grace and glory, and, as the hymn implores, we ask that you grant us wisdom and courage for the facing of this hour.

First, Father, grant us wisdom. There are crucial choices before us as we elect leaders who will represent us. We need to hear from you, Lord. You have told us in your Word to pray for our leaders, and we call on you today to guide us in this endeavor.

And we ask, Lord, for courage. May we be emboldened to stand for those values we cherish – particularly the values of individual liberty and personal responsibility. We are reminded that you have called us to freedom. Help us to persevere as we see our freedom’s eroded by those who currently lead us.

Now, Father, bless us as we gather for fellowship around the table and enjoy the bounty of your hand. We thank you for those who have prepared this meal for us, and for the opportunity to enjoy the company of each other.

So it is, Lord, that, with respect and acknowledgment of persons of all faith, I offer this prayer in the Name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Amen

Grant Us Wisdom

This great hymn was written by Harry Emerson Fosdick during a time of crisis in 1930. I have little use for his liberal theology, but this hymn speaks to the world today.

God of grace and God of glory,
On Your people pour Your pow'r;
Crown Your ancient Church’s story;
Bring its bud to glorious flow'r.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
For the facing of this hour,
For the facing of this hour.

Lo! the hosts of evil round us
Scorn the Christ, assail His ways!
From the fears that long have bound us
Free our hearts to faith and praise.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
For the living of these days,
For the living of these days.

Cure Your children’s warring madness;
Bend our pride to Your control;
Shame our wanton, selfish gladness,
Rich in things and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
Lest we miss Your kingdom’s goal,
Lest we miss Your kingdom’s goal.

Save us from weak resignation
To the evils we deplore;
Let the gift of Your salvation
Be our glory evermore.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
Serving You whom we adore,
Serving You whom we adore.