Marking Canada Day

by Timothy Teuscher

As we observe Canada Day this coming Monday, all congregations of Lutheran Church–Canada are encouraged to mark this special day celebrating the confederation of our nation by doing first and foremost what the apostle Paul says to Timothy in his instructions concerning worship services.  That is, “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.  This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

What specific supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings should rise before the Lord like incense from the altars in our congregations this coming Canada Day?  The list is legion, but here are a couple of possible prayers:

Bless, we implore you, O Lord, our nation and people. Defend our liberties and make us faithful citizens of our land. Give wisdom and courage to those who govern us:  Elizabeth our Queen, Julie our Governor General, Justin our Prime Minister, and ________ our Premier, that they would do so with honesty, humility, justice, and diligence, so that we may lead quiet and peaceful lives in all godliness. Lord, in your mercy; hear our prayer.

O almighty God, you have ordained civil government that it should serve You and Your people in righteousness and honour. We pray for our leaders:  Elizabeth our Queen, Julie our Governor General, Justin our Prime Minister, ________ our Premier, ________ our Mayor, and all legislators and judges. Grant that they may put accountability to You ahead of self-interest and personal gain, and thus fulfill the role You have permitted them to assume. Bless our land with honest industry, truthful education, and an honourable way of life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil course of action. When times are prosperous, let our hearts be thankful, and in troubled times do not let our trust in You fail. Bring about among us repentant hearts for straying from Your commands, and may the gift of salvation in the cross of Christ be proclaimed truthfully and without constraints throughout this nation; through the same Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

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Rev. Timothy Teuscher is President of Lutheran Church–Canada.

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