Call to Prayer
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. (Psalm 51:15)
Glory be to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Alleluia. Amen.
Scripture for the Day
We have a strong city; he sets up salvation as walls and bulwarks. Open the gates, that the righteous nation that keeps faith may enter in. You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. (Isa 26:1-3)
Reflection
Walled cities secured and saved people from danger in ancient times. On our free day, we visit a nearby beach, well outside the now largely destroyed walls of ancient Athens, impressively built and rebuilt over centuries long gone. All of the inspiring sites of classical grandeur, even in their ruins, impress us so much that it’s easy to forget how important the city walls once were.
Do modern Greeks live within protected “walls”? In what do they place their trust? Where do we find security, safety, and peace?
Praying for Greece
Remember our friend, Brad Newport, an American missionary involved in refugee ministry in Athens. Pray for his progress in learning Greek. Ask God to help him teach and disciple new Christians in the faith. Pray that he will abide in faith, hope, and love around people in despair.
The Lord’s Prayer
Concluding Prayers
Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day. Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity, and in all we do direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
