Before the Power of Evil--Dec. 11, 2010

God Everlasting,

in all generations you
have been our dwelling place.

May we not deceive ourselves;
evil is real, sin a powerful attraction.

Yet we need not fear what others fear,
nor shrink in dread before the power of evil—

not that we are strong to resist, but that you
are stronger than all the powers of hell.

We are the beneficiaries of generations
who have found their strength in you.

Satan sifted them, he sifts us; but we
depend upon your faithfulness.

Lord of peace, give us peace
at all times and in all ways.

Lectionary Readings
Psalms 90, 149, 80, 72
Isaiah 8:1-15
2 Thessalonians 3:6-18
Luke 22:31-38

Selected Verses
Psalm 90:1-2
Lord, you have been our dwelling place
      in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth,
      or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
      from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

Isaiah 8:12
Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what it fears, or be in dread.

2 Thessalonians 3:16
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with all of you.

Luke 22:31-32
“Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” [Jesus to Peter]