Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, we are now at mid point of 2021. We are thankful for how far you have brought us in the midst of a ravaging storm of the COVID-19 pandemic, political upheavals and economic stagnation. At one stage we seem to take a step forward only to be held back, leaving us perplexed. Yet we are comforted by Psalm 55:22 which says, “Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” So, in spite of the whirlwind around us we are at peace. For where we are anxious, your word says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). Indeed, we pray for peace and prosperity to come and shine in our midst. Threatened with physical, earthly and economic tremors, where we even see a molten volcano bursting with fury, sweeping away all green and humbling us that we do not have everything under control, we remember what you said, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10.). If the events of the day do terrify us, or sometimes do not present a clear meaning, we remember your words, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Mathew 6:34). This gives us rest. So, we pray that you help us not to rush ahead of you or tarry. For as the prophet Isaiah once said, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31). We commit to you our families, embracing your word, “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him” (Chronicles 2:16:9). We commit to you our dear nation and land, with all its troubles, longing for those who are willing to stand up and take a stand for truth and righteousness, so that the land may be saved and not suffer perpetual ruin: “I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one” (Ezekiel 22:30).  May such fearless giants come and dwell among us. We commit to you the work of our hands, seeking your promises, “The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none” (Deuteronomy 28:12). And as we take on a new month, we chain the words of prophet Moses to his successor, Joshua, for ourselves: “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8).

All this we pray in the beloved name of Jesus Christ!

Amen!