My wife Sandy composed this prayer for Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church for our daily devotions on John 19:38-42. With all that is happening in our world today, and particularly right here in the United States, this prayer is so very appropriate to help us not be discouraged when it seems that the devil's schemes are winning and uplift our faith that this world is not the important thing, our next life with our Savior is.
Lord,
In today's world, evil seems to be
winning. Those who try to live in faith are ridiculed, criticized, and
persecuted. They can lose possessions, careers are destroyed, and they are
canceled from society. Evil is celebrated and Godly principles are chastised.
Many people who call themselves Christian are silent when they see evil. Much
like Joseph of Arimathea, people are afraid of leaders so they pray to You in
secret. The intimidation of this culture has taken its toll on churches and on
Your church families. How You must grieve our world right now. Lord, You stood
up to the evil, past present, and future and died to defeat it. Precious
Savior, thank You for destroying evil and death on that cross. The devil
thought he won by having You crucified but instead, he worked into Your plan to
save humanity for eternity. The devil is trying to destroy You through the evil
of this world today but again he is working into Your plan. I read the end of
the story, and You are victorious. So I can stand firm on my faith and believe
that You are the everlasting king that I want to serve. I am not afraid of what
man can do to me for You are with me. The cross cancels fear. No one can hurt
my soul that has been bought with Your blood. Jesus, please, give Your family
the boldness to stand in unity and proclaim the wonder of what You have done
for all people. Bring about a revival that can replace fear and
intimidation with love, joy, kindness, gentleness, and compassion. Let Your
people unite in love, not hate, and to serve not to destroy. Amen
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