Prayer To Live In God's Protection During Complicated Times

 Receiving Promised Protection

They’ve call a snap election here in British Columbia so for the next weeks until October 24 we have a caretaker government.  All the attention and efforts to sort out the variety of issues around the virus are diverted to others.  Our premier and various government ministers are out campaigning, seeking to win re-election. 

The Canadian parliament shut down for a few weeks and only in these days comes back for a new session, with a new Throne speech, needing a vote of confidence from the opposition parties to go forward with the plans they’ve outlined.  Their attention seems to be diverted to political issues as well.

Fortunately our God has not put His attention elsewhere.  He is still with us offering us protection and guidance in these complicated days.  We pray with confidence today for God’s protection and joy.

Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.

John 17:11-12

Heavenly Father, Jesus prayed that You would protect us by the power of Your name and reminded You that He had protected all of his friends except Judas who made choices against Your will.  We come to you today, in Jesus’ name to ask for that protection.

First in our minds is protection from disease and hardship from this virus that is resurging in so many places with case numbers we haven’t seen in weeks and months.  I’m quite sure You are more than willing to care for us in this area.  We pray for wisdom and self-discipline for those who just want to do their own thing and don’t want to bother considering the impact of their choices.  We pray that you will give them hearts to act for the common good rather than simply on what’s convenient or most fun in the moment.  Forgive all of us for our self-centered, selfish ways of going about our days.

I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.

John 11:13

It’s so easy to feel frustrated and aggravated by  the ongoing conditions we live in and some which seemed caused by the careless choices of others.  We pray today that we would put our focus where it needs to be – on our own choices, so that wherever we go and whomever we meet, we will leave a positive rather than a harmful impact.  We long for that full measure of joy You were praying about,  that we could have within us even during times of challenge and testing.  We can’t manufacture joy and peace but we can receive them from You and so that’s what we are asking for in these moments.  Holy Spirit, touch our hearts and fill our minds with the presence of the Living God that gives rest to our souls and joy to our hearts.

I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.

John 17:14-15

You were tested by so many every day.  So many were out to get You and destroy You but You choice to let Your heart be filled with joy and peace in doing the will of Your Father.  That’s what we want to do today as well.  Whatever others say or do, however they understand or misunderstand our intentions and our actions, help us to just be true to what You’ve put in our hearts.  As the little saying goes, help us to “Let go and let God.”

They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.

John 17:16-18

So God, we want to live well in this world as You intend.  You want us to do good, not be obsessed or overwhelmed by what is going on around us – care for these things and for the impact on people – but to keep looking to the truth and going out with truth.  We want to not be overcome by evil in whatever form it comes at us today, but to overcome evil with good.

We can do that as You empower us and surround us with Your kindness and protection.  We put our will and our life into Your care today.  Amen