Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy hill. Let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of the LORD is coming. It is close at hand— (Joel 2:1)

It’s obvious that the war that used to be silent, while we sleep-walked through life, has become not-so-silent anymore, Father. More lights are switching on every day as we wake and all that light is shining into the dark as we look into things with our eyes, our minds and our hearts. Give us the strength to continue to step forward. Guide us every step of the way. Hold us up and keep us out of the chaos so we may guide others who might be confused and frightened.

“My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments” (Psalm119:120)

We come to you, Father, to ask for forgiveness of anything that is holding us back. We ask for forgiveness in any area that we are feeling guilt or shame. Wash us clean Father with your forgiveness so that we may in turn forgive others. Aid us in this struggle that lies in the heart of being a Christian. Help us become the forgiven that forgives.

“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” (Mark 11:25)

We want the true freedom that comes with forgiveness. But, as the dark day approaches, and secrets that it has kept are exposed to the light, we may be thrown into strong emotions. We must not be consumed by revenge. We would only be chaining ourselves to the endless need to get even, and that would be a mistake, because you have better life in store for us. So, we will ask you to forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. We will face the darkness straight on. We will not forget what they’ve done, and as it is exposed, we will hand them to you for judgment, in their shame.

For thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, Forever. Amen.