Prayer: Almighty God, we praise you today because you have redeemed a people for yourself through the work of the Good Shepherd of the Sheep, the Lord Jesus Christ. As we survey your church, we see that she is often torn asunder and often faces enemies from within and without. We know that Christ as King will restrain and conquer all his and our enemies. We are thankful for that glorious promise and hope. Yet, there are times when we grow weary of the battle with the world, the flesh, and the devil. Our lives seem to go from one struggle to the next. As one branch of your church faces an important week as they gather to do the work of the King and Head of the church, we pray that your Spirit will guide and direct, your Word upheld, false and dangerous teaching put down, and the glory of Christ exalted. Please help your church, Lord. Please purify her and rid her of the leaven that threatens to destroy the whole lump. We pray this in the strong name of the Savior. Amen.
Scripture Meditation: 1 Pet. 2:9-10; Gal. 5:9; Matt. 7:15-20
