PRAYING TO PUT ON PROTECTION PROVIDED BY GOD

 PRAYING TO PUT ON PROTECTION PROVIDED BY GOD 

As we look around the world and listen to the news we see turmoil among various political powers.  Wars and threats of war are heard from Asia to Europe. There’s unrest and demonstrations and police challenges in our own country.  It’s easy to feel vulnerable and uncertain with such news coming at us day after day.

We are told in the Bible to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 

 How are we to do this? 

Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:10-11

When we are being tempted to turn to unhelpful thoughts or are being complacent about following the ways of the Lord, we need to be aware that we are giving the enemy ground where he can attack us and drag us down.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

God gives us the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the belt of truth, the helmet of salvation, gospel shoes of peace, and the sword of the spirit.  And then we are told to pray.

Do all this in prayer, asking for God's help. Pray on every occasion, as the Spirit leads. For this reason keep alert and never give up; pray always for all God's people.  Ephesians 6:18

And so, Loving God, pray we will.  We know that victory over the devil begins by having knowledge of his ways through meditation on the Scriptures.  When confronted with the devil’s temptations, Lord Jesus, You stood firm and quoted the Scriptures.

As we’ve been instructed, so now we ask You to help us live in righteousness – making right choices, thinking right thoughts, speaking right words, and following the path You show us. 

We pray to have faith in Your power, Your wisdom, and Your care for us.  You are in control of things that are going on in our lives and our world and You love us.  We give ourselves and the circumstances of this day into Your loving hands, in faith that You will help us navigate well through it all.

So much of what we hear is twisted to try to put the spin on things that particular people or powers want us to hear.  We pray to have discerning minds to know what is true. Help us to not make rash judgments and to leave alone things that are beyond our control to actually know.

We pray to be those who speak peace and good news and not get sucked into the harsh and angry rhetoric that we hear around us. 

Most of all, Loving God, help us to just turn our hearts and our thoughts to You in prayer, for ourselves, our families, our communities, our leaders, and all who are in positions of authority. 

It seems appropriate to pray today:  Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by Your name.  Your kingdom come.  Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.  And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.  For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever.  Amen