Amos 8 Prayer Points:

Prayer for the Nation: O Lord, for many years now you have overlooked the sins of this nation. You have not listened to the vain and blasphemous songs on the radio or watched our perverted television shows and movies. You have turned a blind eye to our false balances and our government’s incessant printing of new money. You have not heard the foolish and crooked speech spoken by our political leaders who lack all integrity and uprightness in heart. We see and hear these things on a regular basis and we continually mourn over the bitter state of our country, for we know that when our sin is complete that you will bring forth your righteous judgment upon us. We live precariously in this city of destruction and we are greatly distressed by the wicked conduct we see all around us. Lord, have mercy upon us and uphold your people by your right hand.

Prayer for the Church: Father, when Israel grew as wicked as we seem to have grown as a nation, you caused not only a famine for bread in the land, but a famine for hearing the words of the Lord, with many seeking to hear it but not being able to find it. Merciful Lord, may that never be the case here. We pray that you would strengthen your churches in this wicked land, that you would anoint your preachers and equip your leaders to carry out the full ministry of the Word. In season and out of season, may your word be preached, and may your people be reproved, rebuked and exhorted with great patience and teaching. And may we be receptive to hearing it. Father, may none of us long for the Sabbath day to be over that we might go back to our ordinary work, but may we relish the work of worship, offering our songs and our service to you eagerly and wholeheartedly. Lord, in the midst of your congregation, pour out your blessing and turn our mourning into gladness and our lamentation into songs of praise through Jesus Christ our Lord.