To Guard Against the World’s Influence
Lord Jesus,
You have made me free! I rejoice in the eternal freedom I have from the condemnation of sin and the fear of separation from you in death. Moreover, my freedom means that my enemies – Satan, the fallen world, and my own sinful flesh – no longer have complete control over me. While each of those enemies still threatens me, help me navigate the treacherous traps all around me in the fallen world. When I let my light shine and stand up in for my faith, I so often stand out as well. But when that happens, I am tempted to quietly blend in and go along with the world instead. Then, as I blend in with the world, I am more inclined to let my guard down and embrace what should be avoided and avoid the good things you would have me embrace. Guard me from the desire to blend in at the expense of my faith and Christian morals. Create in me the longing to swim against the current of the world and reveal a better way: yours.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.