1 Peter 1:13 – Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being soberminded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Lord Jesus, as I look at the day ahead and even the week coming up there are many challenges and obstacles coming up. I realize that this is nothing compared to the persecution that Peter’s readers faced, but the battle is the same. It’s a spiritual war and a spiritual battle, one for my souls. Lord, Jesus prepare my mind and my heart for this battle by your Spirit. Equip me with your Word and protect with me your armor so that I may stand against evil today and resist the temptations and the assaults of the Evil One. Most of all, lift the eyes of my heart up above the fray of the battle and the circumstances of this day so that I might have hope because of what is surely coming. You give me a hope that the world cannot give and that I will not find on this earth. You have promised many things and you will not change your mind. You want me and all people to be saved and you’re at work to make sure that this happens. You, dear Father in heaven, have power, knowledge and control over all circumstances. You are always at work in good ways, even if I can’t figure out what that good is. Fill my heart with a rising and hopeful expectation because of that grace that’s coming for me when your Son, Jesus, returns in all his glory. And so, help me to fight and hope, this day and every day. Amen.