Theme: Protection
We have been walking through the prayer of Jabez. The final part of the prayer is about protection. As I write this, I cannot help but think about the man who was recently murdered by a police officer who should have been protecting him, and three others standing by watching. Why is racism still an issue in our society? Why is violence still an issue in our society? Why is hate still and issue in our society? Why is abuse still an issue in our society? Because at our core, we are sinful. We must understand the enemy, the Devil, does not play games. The Devil is waging war. I know when we see violence erupting all over our nation, prayer seems like a weak weapon. But when I look at the picture of this very strong man kneeling at the cross praying I see strength. I see a man humbling himself before Jesus Christ. Ultimately, the only One who can keep us from harm is Jesus Christ. But even Jesus does not promise to keep us from all harm. After all, He was crucified with no evidence against him. I think we pray for protection, but at the end of the day, we must acknowledge that sometimes God may not answer this prayer the way we think He should. I pray if that happens, our faith in Him remains.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:10
“Keep me from harm”
Prayer: Protection
“God, we pray for protection against the evil of the Devil. We pray You would protect the innocent. We pray You would protect those who cannot protect themselves. We pray You protect those we love (name them). Please protect our bodies, minds, and emotions. Don’t let the enemy get a foothold in our life. We pray You would protect our nation and community from harm. And when You choose not to protect, grant us the faith to realize this world is broken by sin. Grant us the eyes to see You are fighting evil. Thank You for Your protection, You have watched over us and protected us in so many ways we see and don't see. God, keep us from harm. We love you and trust you. Amen.”