Lord Keep us Steadfast in Your Word, ELW 517
Devotion
Lord, keep us steadfast in your word;
curb those who by deceit or sword
would wrest the kingdom from your Son
and bring to naught all he has done.
Lord Jesus Christ, your pow'r make known,
for you are Lord of lords alone;
defend your holy church, that we
may sing your praise eternally.
O Comforter of priceless worth,
send peace and unity on earth;
support us in our final strife
and lead us out of death to life.
I think about all the church and Christians are facing these days. We no longer enjoy a place of privilege in society. For most, this creates a sense of fear and lament. The responses differ; some are resigned and feel defeated, others angry and compelled to aggressive action. I think all of those responses fall short. It falls short because it takes matters into their own hands. Like Judas, we go our own way, perhaps well-intentioned. Yet our call is to place our faith and trust in Christ.
In such times, I think prayer is important, and that prayer is as simple as "Lord, keep us steadfast in your Word." Lord, keep us trusting in Christ. Lord, help us wait for Jesus to reveal himself in the places and to the people who we know so desperately need him.
Prayer
Lord, keep us steadfast in your son when all around us seems lost. Help us look for him as he reveals himself to those that need him—the sinful and broken. Amen.