It was my privilege Tuesday morning to speak to 1,500 people gathered for the Community Prayer Breakfast in Amarillo, Texas. The group met at 6:00 AM in the civic center for the 22nd renewal of this annual interdenominational prayer event. We were joined by Mayor Paul Harpole, U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry, State Rep. Four Price, school administrators from across the region, and pastors from a wide variety of Christian traditions.
After we spent time praying together around our tables for national and local leaders, we closed with a “prayer for our community” that we recited in unison. Adapted from Psalm 113, this prayer moved me to intercede for such unity in Dallas as well. You might use these words to pray for unity in your family and community this Thanksgiving week.
Here’s the prayer: Heavenly Father, your word says it is good and pleasant when brothers live together in unity. Holy Spirit, we ask that you begin to show us in our hearts those things that cause bitterness, strife, and division among us. We ask that you wash us clean of these strongholds so we can draw closer to you.
Father, your word says that unity is like precious oil poured on the head and running down the beard and collar of Aaron’s robe. We pray that when we come together through the acknowledgement of your Son, it will be as fragrant and pleasing to you as the days of old.
Father, your word says that unity is like the dew of Hermon falling on Mount Zion. We pray that as we become one in you, your Holy Spirit will give us refreshing in our being that will change us to become more like you.
Father, we know that it is in unity that you bestow your blessing, your abundant wealth, and your precious possessions, and that it is in unity that we can begin to understand your love.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.