Prayer: Grant almighty God that you, by your grace and mercy, would rescue your redeemed people from those who would bring them harm in this world. We frequently hear reports of rebellious people who spend their time and energy seeking to harm the sheep of your pasture. We hear of governments that prevent your people from securing copies of your Word. We hear of men and women duped by evil religions, seeking to destroy the one source of truth and hope you have provided. We know that you will vindicate your people, and we know that you guide and protect them in this life. Yet, there are times, we confess, that it seems that the evil and wicked of our world are winning the struggle and battle. Therefore, Father, we pray and plead with you to help our brothers and sisters in difficult circumstances as they face the world’s opposition. We pray that you would watch over them with a ready sword to defend their cause — your cause — of Christ and the Gospel. We thank you that you are our helper and strength, a present help in times of difficulty. We thank you that you will judge with perfect righteousness on that great day. We thank you that to live is Christ and to die, gain. Please use your struggling and battered people for the good of your Kingdom, and may their example encourage all of us to persevere in the faith once delivered to the saints. We pray these things in the name of the Commander of the Army of the Lord. Amen.
Scripture Mediation: Psa. 54
