There are a number of scripture verses carved into the Peace Tower on the Hill. One of them is a good prayer request for us to pray from Psalm 72:1: “Give the king thy judgements O God and thy righteousness unto the king’s son.” We pray that we may each encounter God in fresh ways as well as our nation and its leaders. We need it.
Last Friday was the first in-person Canada day (post covid) in Ottawa. Celebrations were moved off Parliament Hill to an area park. Thousands protested in the streets in front of the largely empty buildings while security for access was very tight with entrants being wanded and frisked. It seemed a fitting commentary to where Canada is at right now.
As we resolutely move away from acknowledging God as supreme and instead place ourselves on the throne, our decisions become more polarizing and frankly – worse. This is not only a personal but a national malaise. There are a number of scripture verses carved into the Peace Tower on the Hill. One of them is a good prayer request for us to pray from Psalm 72:1: “Give the king thy judgements O God and thy righteousness unto the king’s son.” We pray that we may each encounter God in fresh ways as well as our nation and its leaders. We need it.
Years ago, Peter Marshall served as chaplain to the United States Senate. He prayed this prayer which I adapt, in part, for us in Canada.
“May all of Canada come to understand that right-living alone exalts a nation, that only in Your will can peace and joy be found. But, Lord, this land cannot be righteous unless her people are righteous, and we, here gathered, are part of Canada. We know that the world cannot be changed until the hearts of men are changed. Our hearts need to be changed…Lord God, forgive us! By Your guidance and Your power may our land become God’s own country, a nation contrite in heart, confessing her sins; a nation sensitive to injustice and wrong still in our midst. Hear this our prayer and grant that we may confidently expect to see it answered in our time, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.”
I echo my own ‘amen.’
As you know, we are planning a trip to Israel in 2023. This has been an ongoing place for fresh encounters with God. We just confirmed the dates this week as June 8-20/23. If you are interested, get in touch with me by email at leon@mycac.ca or by phone (604-792-0051) and we’ll talk!
Pastor Leon Throness
