“The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” – Heb. 4:12
Lord you provide for our needs and equip us to help, provide for the needs of others and for our world environment. Even as we see the contrasts of peoples lives and the events happening around them you provide the belt of truth which help us to name them.
We see the contrast of record-breaking cold and snow across the Midwestern & Eastern USA and recording-breaking heat across Australia; a devastating wild fire followed by torrential rain, floods, and mudslides in California and the possibly better air quality in Beijing. May we fasten the belt which enables us to truthfully name our part in the global climate change and devastation.
We lock our shields of faith together, in testudo formation, ready shod to deliver the gospel of peace in politics, to those in authority from governments and international companies to global organizations. We remember, especially, the Rohingya and Karen people of Myanmar; the people of Syria; the people of Korea both North and South; and in our own countries.
We think of those who have no voice and for whom we must proclaim, sharply as with the sword of the word, the possibility of education for all; freedom from sexual harassment; and safety from armed conflict. Remembering, especially, the women and female children of Pakistan, all children of the Middle East and those who seek education for themselves and their country.
When we see doctors, dentists, trained craftspeople poached from one country to another we call for the Word, living and active, able to judge our thoughts and intentions. We think of doctors from India being searched to work in England; of the skilled craftspeople asked to take their training to benefit firms who will not provide training in their local area.
Lord, in this world of contrasts give us the breastplate of righteousness to protect us from self-righteousness so that, shod with the things which make us ready to proclaim the gospel, we can walk through your world in integrity. Amen.
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