A prayer for uncertain times

When I turned 50, my husband and sons presented me with a very special gift, one they knew I'd treasure: a very old book.

While it may not look like much here, inside its covers is a true treasure.

It's a Bible printed in England. You probably can't read the date, so I'll read it for you: 1648. Just 37 years after the King James Version of the Bible was finished.

In times like these, when the world seems to be full of trouble and peril, I like to open this precious book. Times were perilous in 1648, too. And the answer to the troubles of the world was the same then as it is today. Politicians, speechmakers, dreamers, and schemers may propose this solution or that, but the truth is the same yesterday, today, and forever. No help is found apart from the Lord.

In the back of my Bible is a prayer. I don't know who wrote it, but I know that it's as good a prayer for us today as it was back in the 17th century. Perhaps you'll pray it with me.

Lord Jesus Christ, show forth Thy might,
That Thou are Lord of Lords by right:
Thy poor afflicted flock defend
That we may praise Thee without end.
Oh, Holy Spirit, our comforter,
Be our patron, help, and succor;
Give us one mind and perfect peace,
All gifts of grace in us increase.
Thou living God, in persons three,
Thy name be praised in unity;
In all our need, so us defend,
That we may praise Thee, world without end.

It seems that today we particularly need this part: "Give us one mind and perfect peace."

As I see my own country and others across the world in times of unrest and political tension, I pray for one mind and perfect peace which can come only from God.

"Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations" (Psalm 90:1). Give us grace and courage to dwell with you now.

Will you join me in this prayer?