In the late afternoon, with Seattle perfect weather, we praise a wonderful savior and an Almighty God. It is good to remember these things when so many plans can propel us into the frenzy of what will be for some a four day weekend. Remembering a magnificent God in the experience of a Glorious country inspires grateful prayer.

We pray for picnics, parades, adventures, and recreation. We pray for peace among all peoples of this great land. We pray that concerts, fireworks displays, campgrounds, parks and beautiful waterways reflect the amazing image of such a diverse people.  All of these things make this remarkable country a precious gift of peoples living together as citizens under one great nation and flag.

Praying for the Lord’s peace and safety among all who venture out this weekend to enjoy the unparalleled blessing of this United States. We remember those who work and live far from the shores of this country as they serve a cause greater than themselves. These include military personnel, the foreign service, contractors, missionaries, scientists and researchers, and medical professionals. They include those great adventurers on land and water and sea and the heavens above who carry the American flag as their banner.

We are reminded of the attitude and spirit of prayer this evening from Bagster’s Daily Light:

June 30, 2017 – Friday Evening

God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.1

When ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.2

They … called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us.3

Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other.4

Lord, teach us to pray.5
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1Ecc 5:2; 2Mat 6:7,8; 31Ki 18:26; 4Luk 18:10,11,13,14; 5Luk 11:1;