Morning Reading: Acts 12.1-5 NLT – more persecution

Reading: Acts 12.1-5 NLT

About that time King Herod Agrippa began to persecute some believers in the church. He had the apostle James (John’s brother) killed with a sword.

When Herod saw how much this pleased the Jewish people, he also arrested Peter. (This took place during the Passover celebration.) Then he imprisoned him, placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring Peter out for public trial after the Passover. But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.

Prayer: Lord Jesus – Your followers have been persecuted from early on… some you deliver from evil, and some pay the heavy price of martyrdom. In all of it, make us people of prayer… trusting, hoping, believing and persistent. Deliver us from the evil extent in our time. Clothe us with the full armor of God… that we might stand firm against the schemes of the devil… who roams this earth seeking to devour your people. Transform us into Kingdom people… and may your will be done in us and through us… for your name’s sake. Amen.

Hymn: “Abide with me” – Henry Francis Lyte (1847)
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Abide with me: fast falls the eventide; the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day; earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away. Change and decay in all around I see. O Lord who changes not, abide with me.

I need your presence every passing hour. What but your grace can foil the tempter’s power? Who like yourself my guide and strength can be? Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me.

I fear no foe with you at hand to bless, though ills have weight, and tears their bitterness. Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, your victory? I triumph still, if you abide with me.

Hold now your Word before my closing eyes. Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies. Heaven’s morning breaks and earth’s vain shadows flee; in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.