TGCA Victoria committee member, Shebu John shares a prayer he offered at Canterbury Gardens Community Church yesterday.
We must enter the kingdom of God through many tribulations. (Acts 14:22)
Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. (John 16:32–33)
Heavenly Father, you have placed your Son Jesus on your throne and given him rule over all things.
Through him, you made it clear that we ought not to be surprised when the Christian faith is challenged or attacked. And we see that this is the reality of many of our brothers and sisters in Christ across the globe. In recent days, it has hit the headlines (in a milder form) in our country. Many of us have been shaken by these developments.
Yet we pause to be still and thank you that these events have given some of us opportunities to speak about the hope of the gospel in our homes, workplaces, schools, universities and neighbourhoods.
Some have been made fearful: please direct the eyes of their hearts to your majesty. Help them to remember, and rest in, the assurance that we are your beloved children through Jesus.
Cause us to be still and know that you are God, and that Jesus has overcome the world. Please help us to respond in a gracious way that points people to him.
To those of us who feel a sense of injustice—who are tempted to respond with anger and harsh words; please cause us to be still and know that you are God—and that Jesus has overcome the world. Please help us to respond in a gracious way that points people to him.
Lord, among us there are brothers and sisters serving on committees, boards and councils. Give them courage and wisdom to represent you as salt and light—even if that might mean them losing their positions.
Lord, we also pray for those who have already suffered loss because of their allegiance to Jesus. Give them grace to trust in you and remember his promise that they will be repaid a hundredfold in this age and much more in the kingdom to come.
Finally, as Jesus taught us to pray, Father:
May your Kingdom come.
May your will be done here on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us what we need each day.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Grant us the grace to love and forgive those who mock, ridicule and slander.
By your Holy Spirit, help us to take every opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ—both by our words and through our lives.
As we head into this week, cause our hearts, wills and minds to meditate on what is true—your word is truth—so that we will be steadfast.
We pray in the mighty and glorious name of the Lord Jesus.
Amen.
