Heavenly Father, our hearts are heavy as 
our eyes are overwhelmed with visions of violence throughout our world. Our fellow Christians are murdered without remorse in lands where the true faith once thrived. Believers are attacked, berated and humiliated as they stand for the truth of Your Word. Our streets teem with lawlessness, destruction and hostility. And many who confess to follow You abandon Your teachings.
In the midst of this harsh reality, teach us Your ways. Keep our feet firmly planted on the solid foundation of Your Word. Set our eyes on the cross of our Savior, Jesus. Let our ears be soothed with gentle words of the Gospel. Let our peace be found in the perfect life, death and resurrection of Your Son. Give us courage to stand up to all who deny You and would silence Your teachings. Give us wisdom to know when to speak and when to be silent. Through the Holy Spirit’s power, let Your enemies hear and believe the truth, that they may be saved from their eternal destruction. And in all these things, let Your will be done.
In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus. Amen.
