Father, the conflict remains between our loyalty to You and our duties to the world. We are to be in this world, but not of the world. On the eve of Jesus’ crucifixion He asked You to sanctify the disciples by praying, “I have given them Your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world…..And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.” Like the Jews we too struggle paying our taxes to our government knowing that so much is used irresponsibly and at times immorally in opposition to principles taught in Scripture. But we are also called to obey our authorities. We also recognize the benefits we enjoy collectively and individually through the collection of our taxes so we ask for grace as we deal with this matter every year. Keep us honest and fair so that we maintain our integrity, for that matters to You. Just as the Jews were told to pay taxes to the emperor whose coin bore His image, may we likewise give proper honor and devotion to You whose image we bear in our hearts.
Amen.