“But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel. To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.” Daniel 1:8-9, 17

Lord God, As I live my life in this world, as an exile far from my eternal home with you, help me to remember who I am and whose I am in this world. The devil, the world and even my own sinful flesh inside of me want to conform me to the ways of this world. They want me to lose myself in this world so that I forget who I am and whose I am. Help me to clearly remember whose I am so that I live my life for you as my only audience, so that I live a life that honors and glorifies you. Keep me from giving in to the ways of the world and its ways of thinking. You have redeemed me to yourself and I am yours. You have removed all of my sin and clothed me with the glory of Christ. Help me to live this out in this world. You have redeemed me and I am yours. Keep me in this one true faith for all eternity. Amen.

He has redeemed me a lost and condemned creature, purchased and won me from all sins, from death and from the power of the Devil. He has done this, not with gold or silver, but with his holy precious blood and his innocent suffering and death. All this he did that I should be his own and live under him in his kingdom and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence and blessedness. Just as he has risen from death and lives and rules eternally. This is most certainly true. (Explanation to the Second Article of the Apostles Creed.)