Lord, we confess that we are a small-minded people, and cannot see very far ahead. When we look into the mysterious mirror of Providence, we often hope for prosperity, ease, and smooth peacefulness. In this we show our weakness, for these things are often hazardous to our reflection of the image of Christ. So you in your mercy send us Chaldeans, as Habakkuk wrote long ago—pains and trials and enemies that we do not believe when we hear of them. So we are terrified: for their pangs are swifter than leopards, more fierce than the evening wolves; our foes press proudly on in every headline and news story. Our smug confidence is shaken when they come from afar and dive upon us like an eagle swift to devour. May all this violence terrify us not into doubt, but into faith.
We pray first about the troop of pains and illnesses that march against us. Guard Libby Jackson in her knee surgery this week, and Elodie Nieuwsma, Reign Wright, and Scott Spuler as they recover from surgery. There are many sick, pained, and weary in our company—guard them all from despair and unbelief, and grant them deliverance.
We pray for the host of men who march against us. Whether they be those who oppose us locally or our brothers far away in places like North Korea, Russia, the Ivory Coast, and China, rebuke our enemies and humble them. Help us not to take such confrontation personally, as we so often do, but to receive their taunts as from the Lord—let it drive us to love.
We pray for those among the perils of the world—the college students in their summer wanderings, all those coming to Moscow for the Called Conference, those under church discipline. Guard them all and bring them back home safely.
We ask all this—and we do not ask it in vain, for it is a small thing for you to control even great and powerful Babylon so long ago. Turn our fear to you, and let us truly reflect you in our name and deeds. Amen.
(King's Cross Prayer of Petition, 7/10/22)
