Father of Righteousness,

You are good and merciful and you created a perfect world. Yet because evil entered this place, things have degenerated to the point that a brief glance at the news shows us a terribly-wounded earth and makes us fear our world is heading toward chaos. The grief from Japan’s natural disasters breaks our hearts and we pray for those dear people continuously. Yet unbelievably, natural disasters account for only a small portion of the ongoing human suffering in the world today. Most of the difficulties on earth come from man’s mistreatment of man. We don’t have space or time to list all the wars, murders, abuse and betrayal. Even those of us who are blessed with good families and live in a prosperous country that enjoys peace within our own borders have suffered because of the wrong choices of others. 

We’ve also suffered because of our own wrong choices.

Sadly, the human race as a whole has lost the ability to discern right from wrong. We confess we’ve lost our sense of loyalty. We no longer feel shame when we sin. But because of your power to heal human beings who submit themselves to you, we don’t have to feel hopeless and helpless. Because you still answer prayer, we believe there can be a worldwide change for good if enough of us turn from our wicked ways and look to you.

We accept our responsibility to make a difference by conforming to your character, but we can’t do that without your help because we are so often blind to our own errors. Open our eyes to recognize when we do wrong and help us choose righteousness. Make opportunities for us to teach the concepts of right versus wrong to our children and grandchildren. We commit to pray for the people with whom we come into contact daily. Help us push away selfishness, square our shoulders and follow your Golden Rule. You will give us godly character, Jesus. You can change our nation and the world. We ask for those things in your generous name, amen.

Supporting verses:

The Apostle Paul describes a man or woman of character. “Therefore an overseer must be above reproach . . . , sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable hospitable . . . not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well.” 1Timothy 3:2-4

The Apostle Peter said, “For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, your virtue with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.”  2 Peter 1:5&6, 9

“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.” Romans 12:17

The Golden Rule: “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them.” Matthew 7:12

“If my people, who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 1 Chronicles 7:14