And behold,
I am with you always,
to the end of the age.
(Matthew 28:20b)

Ever-present Savior, Your promises are my strength and peace.  Daily deepen my trust in You.  Work in me such confidence in Your abiding might and goodness that no fear can overtake me, nor any trouble impede my devotion to Your holy name.  Amen

For we are His workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus for good works,
which God prepared beforehand,
that we should walk in them.
(Ephesians 2:10)

Almighty God, since You have purposefully created me in Christ Jesus to do good works, help me do them with eagerness and gratitude.  My neighbors are served by these works, my faith is exercised by the doing of them, and my Lord Jesus, Your Son, is glorified in them.  I pray in His name.  Amen.

So Pilate,
wishing to satisfy the crowd,
released for them Barabbas,
and having scourged Jesus,
he delivered Him to be crucified
(Mark 15:15)

Spirit of God, guard me against all unholy peer pressure.  Just because something is popular with the crowd does not make it right before God.  Focus my heart on pleasing Him, no matter the cost.  I ask this in the name of Him Who was crucified yet rose again, the Victor over all unholiness.  Amen.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. 
Your adversary the devil
prowls around like a roaring lion
seeking someone to devour.
(1 Peter 5:8)

A powerful and cunning enemy seeks my life, Lord Jesus, along with the lives of all who believe in You.  He does not rest, but furiously marshals legions of demons to fight against Your Church and the gospel it proclaims.  Keep me watchful against Satan and bold in bearing witness to You, my loving Friend.    Amen.

Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God;
for I shall again praise Him,
my salvation and my God.
(Psalm 43:5)

The evidence of the fall into sin surrounds me, O Lord.  Disease and infection bring daily pain, violence and corruption are rampant, injustice makes the news, and death breaks hearts.  Yet these are no conquerors, for my hope, O God, is in You.  Your Son, Jesus Christ, is my sure salvation.  It is in His name that I pray.  Amen.

You are not your own,
for you were bought with a price
So glorify God in your body.
(1 Corinthians 6:20)

When I selfishly (sinfully!) insist that my life is my own and that I can live it my own way, remind me of Your greater truth, most holy God, that You purchased me at the cost of Your Son’s blood.  I belong to You!  Make it all my joy to glorify You in this body that You created for me and redeemed for me.  Amen.

Behold, if the river is turbulent
he is not frightened;
he is confident
though Jordan rushes against his mouth
(Job 40:23)

Though I live in turbulent times, holy Father, You hold me safely in Your arms.  Through the indwelling of Your Spirit turn my cowardice into confidence and make me in Christ Jesus a source of courage for others.  I ask this for the sake of Him Who on the cross faced the turbulence of hell yet confidently commended Himself to You.  Amen.

 

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