It seems like this year, we’ve spent much time in devotion on the subject of prayer. Perhaps that is a reflection of the times? In chapel with our student body, we’ve taught the deeper meaning of each petition of the prayer Jesus taught us, the Lord's Prayer. A two-part series of the Lord's Prayer was also the topic of the Saturday Devotion in late September and early October. I find myself thinking of prayer a lot lately, and the older I get, the more I have to pray about; how about for you? 

In the past few weeks, I’ve found even more immediate needs to pray about. A dear friend of many and beloved colleague, Lucas Fitzgerald, Principal of Pacific Lutheran Jr/Sr High School, Gardena, CA, found his way home to heaven way too suddenly and too soon, in my estimation. He was 48. Please keep his wife, Erin, and their two daughters in your prayers. A long-time friend and mentor to me, and many, Dean Vieselmeyer also went to paradise at 74, still way too soon for my liking. Please keep Dian and their two sons and their families in your prayers. Some things I don’t like, understand, and won’t know the answer as to why them, why now, this side of heaven. Although circumstances in life can be frustrating, it is always comforting to pray. How about you? 

Two wars in separate countries are worrisome and also can be a source of anxiety for us and certainly our children. Trying to follow, discerning what it all means, and asking how we can avoid being in war too is exhausting. I find myself having to closely monitor and moderate my intake of social media and daily news while reading larger doses of God’s Word and prayer. It helps me. How about you? 

I did read a prayer that I enjoyed this week. I thought I’d pass it along today. At times, it’s difficult to know just what to pray. One of our Board members, Pastor Mike Anderson, wrote this for his congregation - Christ the King Lutheran, Fallbrook, CA. I hope you enjoy it; I did.

Like many of you, I feel powerless about what is happening in the Middle East. I don't have the personal power to influence the government or the military, so what can I do as a Christian? Pray! 

In 2 Chronicles 7:14, the Bible says, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

At the heart of this conflict is a spiritual battle, which is the battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of the world. We know that the ruler of the world is the evil one. This is why, as Christians, we can employ the greatest spiritual weapon given to us, which is prayer! 

Paul makes clear the nature of the battle we are facing in Ephesians 6:12: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." 

Heavenly Father, we pray ...

1. For the families of all the men, women, and children who have died due to the violence over the past couple of weeks. We pray You will comfort them with the hope we have in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

“I am the resurrection and the life, the one who believes in me will live even though they die!” John 11:25

2. For You to exact justice on the terrorists, who are responsible for these evil and heinous acts under the influence of the devil, who was a murderer and a liar from the beginning. 

Romans 12:19 says, "Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord."

3. Father, please protect all the innocent people who still live in harm’s way. Make a way for humanitarian relief efforts to help those needing necessities like food and water. 

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

4. Give discernment and wisdom to government, political, and military leaders as they make important decisions. May these decisions provide a path forward toward peace in the Middle East. 

“Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” 1 Timothy 2:2

5. In these end times, prepare our hearts and lives for the Day You will return in great and promised glory. We pray for those who don’t yet know You that they will turn to You for salvation. 

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.” 2 Peter 3:9-10 

In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Jesus says this about the “end times” in Matthew 24:4-14, 

Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”

I hope this helps you process what is happening. God calls us to be the salt and light in this world of darkness so that Christ's light will shine more brightly!

In His Peace, Pastor Mike Anderson

Today’s devotion was introduced by Dr. Jeffrey Beavers, CEO, Crean Lutheran High School. Today’s written prayer was provided by Pastor Mike Anderson, Christ the King Lutheran Church, Fallbrook. 

Dr. Jeffrey Beavers, dr.beavers@creanlutheran.org 

Pastor Mike Anderson, mfa9864@gmail.com 

Pastor Mike’s One Year Bible Blog: www.pastormikeandersons.blogspot.com