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“I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.”

John 17:15–17, LSB

As Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, this was His appeal to the Father on our behalf. He asked if the events He knew were unfolding at the moment could be stopped, but submitted to the Father’s will. All that was going to occur was for our sake. His betrayal, His trial, and His crucifixion were all for our sake so we may be redeemed. Our Lord prayed for our hearts to be kept with Him and not fall into the deception of the evil one. This is our prayer for ourselves and all those whom we love and know in and out of our congregation. Our prayer is for all believers to be protected from the deceptions that can arise. We pray against false prophets and false Christs that may attempt to lead fellow believers astray, as well as those potential believers seeking God’s light. We have one truth to guide us, and that is found in the Word. As the Holy Spirit reveals to us in His Word and draws us deeper into the promises that our Lord has given to us. He shows us His providence and brings us into His hope. So we may know His peace.

Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.